Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3
Why in News?
DRDO recently finished final configuration‑level trials of ULPGM‑V3 in both air‑to‑ground and air‑to‑air modes at its range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Key Technical Information
- Weapon Classification: An indigenous, lightweight, fire-and-forget precision-guided missile specifically engineered to be launched from tactical combat drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Weight Profile: Weighs exactly 12.5 kg, an ultra-lightweight build that allows seamless integration onto small and medium-sized surveillance and combat drones.
- Extended Range (ULM-ER): Features an extended operational range of approximately 10 kilometres during daytime operations.
- All-Weather Seeker: Equipped with a passive homing system and a high-definition dual-channel imaging infrared (IIR) seeker supporting precise tracking in day, night, and low-visibility conditions.
- Two-Way Data Link: Supports mid-flight target or aim-point updates, allowing operators to change or refine targets after the drone releases the missile.
- Automated Ground Control: Operated via an integrated Ground Control System (GCS) that uses automated technologies to manage pre-launch readiness and firing sequences.
Modular Warhead Options
The missile accommodates three distinct payload configurations depending on mission requirements:
- Tandem Anti-Armour: Designed to penetrate modern main battle tanks protected by Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
- Penetration-cum-Blast: Engineered for anti-bunker operations to breach fortified structures.
- Pre-Fragmentation: Designed to create a high-lethality zone against soft-skinned vehicles and enemy infantry.
Development & Industry Partners
- Nodal Laboratory: Developed by the Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI), with collaborative support from DRDL (Hyderabad), TBRL (Chandigarh), and HEMRL (Pune).
- UAV Integration: The flight trials were conducted using advanced drone platforms developed by Bengaluru-based private agritech/aerospace firm new space Research and Technologies.
- Production Agencies: DRDO has formally partnered with public-sector enterprise Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and private entity Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited for serial production.
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