In a major achievement for India’s defense technology, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted flight trials of a special missile on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Successful Test of ULPGM-V3 at Kurnool
This missile is called the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The test took place at the National Open Area Range (NOAR), which is located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
Unlike traditional missiles that are launched from large launchers or fighter jets, this missile launches directly from a UAV — short for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, commonly known as a drone. This technology allows operators to launch the missile from the air without being onboard, keeping them safe while still hitting targets with precision.
DRDO designed the ULPGM-V3 to strike targets with high accuracy. It belongs to a new generation of air-to-surface missiles, which launch from the air and hit ground targets such as enemy vehicles, bunkers, or specific buildings. The “V3” in the name shows that this is the third and upgraded version of the missile.
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In this test, DRDO used a missile known as the ULM-ER, which stands for UAV-Launched Missile – Extended Range. The extended range allows it to hit targets farther away than earlier versions. According to experts, this gives the Indian military more flexibility and safety, as they can attack from a longer distance without risking their aircraft or crew.
Industry Collaboration Powers ULPGM-V3 Success
This project was not completed by DRDO alone. It was a combined effort involving Defense industry partners, Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), and Indian start-ups. These organizations and companies worked together to design, develop, and finally test the missile successfully.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated everyone involved in this mission. He shared a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In a major boost to India’s defense capabilities, DRDO India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.”
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In his post, the Defense Minister also praised the collaboration between DRDO and the Indian private sector. His message continued, “Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defense Technologies.”
This shows how India is not only developing advanced weapons but also helping its local industries to become self-reliant in making defense equipment.
Displayed at Aero India 2025
The ULM-ER missile, which includes the ULPGM-V3 version, was first shown to the public at Aero India 2025, an air show held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14. Aero India is one of Asia’s biggest defense exhibitions where countries and companies display their latest aviation and defense technologies.
The missile attracted attention during the event because its compact design, precision targeting features, and ability to launch from unmanned platforms impressed observers. Militaries consider these types of weapons very useful in modern-day conflicts, where they aim to strike accurately without risking the lives of soldiers or pilots.
According to defense analysts, weapons like the ULPGM-V3 give a country an edge in warfare, especially during special operations or in areas where sending human soldiers might be too dangerous.
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The test in Kurnool confirms that the missile is fully functional and ready for use after successful development and trial phases. The trial also demonstrated how effective Indian-built UAV systems are becoming, with reliable launch platforms, stable flight paths, and accurate targeting.
With the successful flight of ULPGM-V3, India has taken another step forward in making its armed forces more advanced and self-sufficient. The focus on using drones and unmanned systems shows a strong shift towards smart and safer military operations.