In a significant leap towards enhancing indigenous defense capabilities, India has successfully test-fired a precision-guided missile launched from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The ULPGM-V3 represents an enhanced version of the ULPGM-V2 missile previously developed and delivered by DRDO. This advanced missile can be deployed in both plain and high-altitude areas, offering day and night operational capabilities. A key feature of the ULPGM-V3 is its high-definition dual-channel seeker, enabling it to strike a wide variety of targets. It also incorporates a two-way data link to support post-launch target or aim-point updates.

The missile is equipped with three modular warhead options, increasing its versatility in engaging different types of targets. These include an anti-armor warhead designed to neutralize modern tanks and infantry combat vehicles, a penetration-cum-blast warhead with bunker-busting capabilities, and a re-fragmentation warhead with a high lethality zone.

The UAV used for the test was indigenously developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up. This highlights the growing role of Indian private companies in contributing to the nation's defense technology. DRDO is also actively pursuing the integration of ULPGM weapons with long-range and high-endurance UAVs from several other Indian companies. Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and numerous MSMEs have contributed to this project.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and its industry partners, including MSMEs and start-ups, for the successful development and trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. He stated that this achievement proves the Indian industry's readiness to absorb and produce critical defense technologies.

In related news, India's indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) project, named Ghatak, has been allocated ₹723 crore for the development of its engine. A derivative of the 'Kaveri engine', known as the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), is slated to power this remotely piloted strike aircraft. Two projects have been sanctioned: one for developing a flightworthy 'Kaveri Dry Engine' with an allocation of ₹472.42 crore, and another allocating ₹251.17 crore for production. The Ghatak UCAV, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under DRDO, will feature an internal weapons bay for carrying missiles, bombs, and precision-guided munitions, based on a flying-wing concept. A scaled-down test-bed's first flight was conducted in July 2022, with the full-scale prototype expected this year or the next.