• On July 25, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that DRDO successfully carried out the flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. (Press Information Bureau, News on Air, The Economic Times)

• The ULPGM-V3, also referred to as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is an advanced variant with enhanced specifications compared to earlier versions. It features a high-definition dual-channel imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, day-and-night capability, operation across plain and high-altitude terrains, and a two-way data link for in-flight target updates. (Default, Press Information Bureau, ThePrint, The Economic Times)

• The missile supports three modular warhead options:

  • Anti-Armour – to defeat modern armoured vehicles with RHA/ERA.

  • Penetration-cum-Blast – for targeting bunkers.

  • Pre-Fragmentation – for wide-area effect against personnel. (Press Information Bureau, The New Indian Express, ThePrint)

• The ULPGM-V3 weighs ~12.5 kg, with improved range: up to 4 km during the day and 2.5 km at night; other sources suggest an extended range reaching 10 km. It operates on a dual-thrust solid propulsion system, offers fire-and-forget capability, and achieves a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of approximately 10 cm, enabling high precision. (ThePrint, The Economic Times, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

• Development involved DRDO laboratories (e.g., RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, LRDE, DRDL), the Bengaluru-based Newspace Research Technologies (providing the UAV), Adani Defence & Aerospace, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as production partners, plus contributions from 30 MSMEs and start-ups. (Press Information Bureau, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

• The Ministry of Defence described this trial as a major boost to India's defence capabilities, showcasing self-reliance and synergy across DRDO, startups, academia, industry, and public-private partnerships. (News on Air, The Economic Times, Samayam Telugu, The Times of India)

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1:
Where were the flight trials of the ULPGM-V3 conducted?
A) Pokhran Range, Rajasthan
B) INS Kavaratti, Lakshadweep
C) National Open Area Range (NOAR), Kurnool
D) Chandipur Range, Odisha
Answer: C) National Open Area Range (NOAR), Kurnool
Explanation: Trials were conducted at NOAR, located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. (Press Information Bureau, The Economic Times)

Question 2:
What advanced guidance features does ULPGM-V3 possess?
A) Mid-course GPS corrections only
B) Passive IIR seeker with dual-channel imagery and two-way data link
C) Radar homing only
D) Manual laser designator
Answer: B) Passive IIR seeker with dual-channel imagery and two-way data link
Explanation: ULPGM-V3 has a high-definition dual-channel imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, enabling day-night operation, plus a two-way data link for post-launch target updates. (Press Information Bureau, ThePrint, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

Question 3:
Which missile warhead option is NOT included in ULPGM-V3?
A) Anti-armour (RHA/ERA)
B) Anti-ballistic interceptor
C) Penetration-cum-Blast for bunkers
D) Pre-Fragmentation for wide-area targeting
Answer: B) Anti-ballistic interceptor
Explanation: The missile offers Anti-Armour, Penetration-cum-Blast, and Pre-Fragmentation warheads; there is no anti-ballistic variant. (Press Information Bureau, The New Indian Express)

Question 4:
What is the approximate weight of ULPGM-V3?
A) 5 kg
B) 8.5 kg
C) 12.5 kg
D) 20 kg
Answer: C) 12.5 kg
Explanation: The ULPGM-V3 weighs around 12.5 kg as per DRDO data. (ThePrint, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

Question 5:
Which organization developed the UAV used to launch ULPGM-V3?
A) HAL, Bangalore
B) DRDO’s ADE Lab
C) Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru
D) BEL, Hyderabad
Answer: C) Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru
Explanation: The launching UAV was developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru startup. (Press Information Bureau, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)