ULPGM-V3 (UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile)
Exam Level: UPSC / Defence Awareness | Content Type: Notes + MCQs
🚀 1️⃣ Flight Trial Overview
On July 25, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful flight trials of the ULPGM-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
✅ The trial marks a significant boost to India’s indigenous precision strike capability.
🎯 2️⃣ Advanced Guidance & Capabilities
- ✔️ High-definition Dual-Channel IIR Seeker
- ✔️ Day & Night operational capability
- ✔️ Operates in plains and high-altitude terrains
- ✔️ Two-way data link for in-flight target updates
- ✔️ Fire-and-Forget capability
📡 Achieves high precision with approximately 10 cm CEP.
💣 3️⃣ Modular Warhead Options
| Warhead Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Anti-Armour (RHA/ERA) | Defeat modern armoured vehicles |
| Penetration-cum-Blast | Target bunkers and fortified positions |
| Pre-Fragmentation | Wide-area effect against personnel |
⚙️ 4️⃣ Technical Specifications
- Weight: ~12.5 kg
- Range: Up to 4 km (day), 2.5 km (night)
- Extended range variant up to 10 km (source-based)
- Dual-thrust solid propulsion system
🏭 5️⃣ Development & Industry Participation
- DRDO Labs: RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, LRDE
- UAV Platform: Newspace Research Technologies (Bengaluru)
- Production Partners: Adani Defence & Aerospace, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Support from 30 MSMEs & Start-ups
🇮🇳 Demonstrates strong synergy between DRDO, startups, academia, and industry under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
📝 6️⃣ Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
Where were ULPGM-V3 trials conducted?
A) Pokhran Range
B) INS Kavaratti
C) NOAR, Kurnool
D) Chandipur
Answer: C
Explanation: Trials were conducted at NOAR in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Where were ULPGM-V3 trials conducted?
A) Pokhran Range
B) INS Kavaratti
C) NOAR, Kurnool
D) Chandipur
Answer: C
Explanation: Trials were conducted at NOAR in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Question 2:
ULPGM-V3 features:
A) GPS-only guidance
B) Dual-channel IIR seeker & two-way data link
C) Radar homing only
D) Manual targeting
Answer: B
Explanation: It uses a dual-channel imaging infrared seeker with two-way data link.
ULPGM-V3 features:
A) GPS-only guidance
B) Dual-channel IIR seeker & two-way data link
C) Radar homing only
D) Manual targeting
Answer: B
Explanation: It uses a dual-channel imaging infrared seeker with two-way data link.
Question 3:
Which warhead is NOT part of ULPGM-V3?
A) Anti-Armour
B) Anti-ballistic interceptor
C) Penetration-cum-Blast
D) Pre-Fragmentation
Answer: B
Explanation: No anti-ballistic variant is included.
Which warhead is NOT part of ULPGM-V3?
A) Anti-Armour
B) Anti-ballistic interceptor
C) Penetration-cum-Blast
D) Pre-Fragmentation
Answer: B
Explanation: No anti-ballistic variant is included.
Question 4:
Approximate weight of ULPGM-V3?
A) 5 kg
B) 8.5 kg
C) 12.5 kg
D) 20 kg
Answer: C
Explanation: The missile weighs approximately 12.5 kg.
Approximate weight of ULPGM-V3?
A) 5 kg
B) 8.5 kg
C) 12.5 kg
D) 20 kg
Answer: C
Explanation: The missile weighs approximately 12.5 kg.
Question 5:
Which startup developed the UAV platform?
A) HAL
B) ADE
C) Newspace Research Technologies
D) BEL
Answer: C
Explanation: The UAV was developed by Bengaluru-based Newspace Research Technologies.
Which startup developed the UAV platform?
A) HAL
B) ADE
C) Newspace Research Technologies
D) BEL
Answer: C
Explanation: The UAV was developed by Bengaluru-based Newspace Research Technologies.
