India successfully tests drone-launched missile; Rajnath Singh hails defence boost

India has achieved a significant milestone in its indigenous defence capabilities with the successful flight trials of an upgraded precision-guided missile launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The third-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) was tested on Thursday by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This success underscores India's growing self-reliance in advanced military technology.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the successful launch, calling it a "significant boost to India's defence capabilities." In a post on X, he congratulated DRDO and its industry partners, including Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and start-ups, stating, "This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies." The missile, designed to engage diverse targets in both plain and high-altitude regions, was launched from a UAV developed by the Indian start-up Newspace Research Technologies, highlighting robust collaboration between state-run defence entities and private innovation.

The ULPGM-V3 boasts advanced features, including a high-definition dual-channel seeker for enhanced accuracy in day and night conditions, and a two-way data link enabling mid-course corrections. It comes with three modular warhead configurations: an anti-armour version for tanks, a penetration-cum-blast warhead for bunkers, and a pre-fragmented warhead for soft targets. This fully indigenously developed system, involving over 30 Indian start-ups and MSMEs, signifies a major stride in strengthening India's tactical warfare capabilities and its push towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence.