DRDO completes development trials of ULPGM-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes near Kurnool
DRDO announced on 19 May 2026 that it had completed final deliverable configuration trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at its range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Summary
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on 19 May 2026 that it had completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at its test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The trials used an integrated Ground Control System, and the missile was carried on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru. Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad is the nodal lab, with DRDL Hyderabad, TBRL Chandigarh and HEMRL Pune, while Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, both of Hyderabad, are the development-cum-production partners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted the air-to-ground mode is for an anti-tank role and the air-to-air mode for drones, helicopters and other airborne targets.
Key facts
- Missile
- ULPGM-V3 (UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile)
- Site
- DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
- Modes
- Air-to-Ground (anti-tank) and Air-to-Air (drones, helicopters, airborne targets)
- Nodal lab
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
- Other labs
- DRDL Hyderabad, TBRL Chandigarh, HEMRL Pune
- Production partners
- Bharat Dynamics Ltd and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd, Hyderabad
- UAV platform
- Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
RCI Hyderabad is the nodal lab; DRDL, TBRL and HEMRL are the other contributing laboratories.
Near which place were the final development trials of ULPGM-V3 conducted in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
The trials were carried out at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.