India has once again shown its strength in defence innovation. In a proud moment for the nation, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight trials of the ULPGM-V3, an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched precision-guided missile. The test happened at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with full indigenous contribution, positioning India as a bold player in next-gen warfare technologies.
Table of Contents
🚀 What is ULPGM-V3 and Why It Matters?
The full form of ULPGM is Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile. The ULPGM-V3 is a major upgrade over the earlier V2 version, specially designed for high precision strikes in both plain and high-altitude environments.
Let’s decode what makes this missile special:
🔧 Key Features:
- Dual-channel HD seeker: Helps track and strike targets with pinpoint accuracy even in tough environments.
- Day-and-night capability: Can operate in low-light, no-light, and daylight settings.
- Two-way data link: Allows operators to update the aim even after launch.
- Multiple warhead options:
- Anti-armour: Destroys tanks and vehicles fitted with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
- Penetration-cum-Blast (Anti-Bunker): Designed to break through thick concrete structures like bunkers.
- Pre-fragmentation Warhead: Has a wide lethality zone to damage multiple enemy assets.
🎯 Purpose:
ULPGM-V3 enables Indian forces to conduct highly accurate and targeted attacks from UAVs. This means quicker deployment, less risk to soldiers, and efficient mission execution—especially in border areas, mountainous terrain, and conflict zones.
🧪 Who Built ULPGM-V3?
The development of ULPGM-V3 is a team effort of multiple DRDO labs, startups, MSMEs, and major defence production partners.
⚙️ DRDO Laboratories Involved:
| Laboratory Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Missile guidance and control |
| Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) | Missile mechanics and design |
| Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) | Warhead effectiveness and testing |
| High-Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) | Propulsion and energy systems |
| Integrated Test Range (ITR) | Live fire testing |
| Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Electronics and sensors |
🚁 UAV Innovation:
The missile was launched from a UAV developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based Indian startup, showing the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
🤝 Partnerships:
More than 30 MSMEs and startups contributed to the mission’s success, along with Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad.
Such integrated efforts show how small companies, innovators, and big industries are working together to build powerful defence systems for India.
🎤 Statements by Leaders
🗣️ Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
The Defence Minister congratulated DRDO and industry partners, calling the success a symbol of India’s readiness to develop and produce critical defence technologies. He praised the commitment of Indian industry, especially startups and MSMEs.
🗣️ Dr Samir V. Kamat – Chairman, DRDO
He said the development of such advanced weapons is “the need of the hour”, and applauded the combined effort of labs, startups, and partners.
🌏 GK and Current Affairs Boost for Aspirants
To help aspirants relate this success to exam prep, here’s a handy GK table for reference:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| DRDO Full Form | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Established | 1958 |
| Founder | A.P.J. Abdul Kalam contributed extensively during the early missile years |
| Headquarters | DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi |
| Chairman (2025) | Dr Samir V Kamat |
| First Defence Minister of India | Baldev Singh |
| Union Defence Minister (2025) | Shri Rajnath Singh |
| UAV Developer | Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru |
| Key Defence Partners | Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Location of Missile Test | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh |
| Andhra Pradesh State Formation | 1 October 1953 (based on linguistic reorganization) |
| Capital of Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
| Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (2025) | N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Governor of Andhra Pradesh (2025) | S. Abdul Nazeer |
🏛️ Historical Note on Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was created in 1953 from the Telugu-speaking areas of the old Madras Presidency. It was India’s first state formed on linguistic lines, setting the stage for later reorganization of other states.
Today, Amaravati is its capital, and the state is known for its contributions to agriculture, space research, defence testing (NOAR range), and cultural richness.
📘 Why This Matters for Exam Aspirants
Competitive exam papers—be it UPSC, SSC, Defence, State PSC, or Railways—frequently include topics on defence advancements, state history, current affairs, and government initiatives. This missile test connects with many high-value exam themes:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Start-up India
- Defence and Strategic Technologies
- Science & Technology Current Affairs
- Indian States – Formation & Capitals
- Famous Defence Ministers and Institutions
Mastering such intersections helps aspirants answer MCQs, essay questions, and interviews with confidence.
🔗 Connect with Other Powerful Learning Categories on RankersChoice.com
To deepen your knowledge and sharpen your exam edge, explore these top categories on our site:
🧭 Punjab: History & Culture
Learn about the spiritual journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, heroic tales of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the evolution of Punjabi literature. These stories build national pride and exam excellence.
➡️ Explore Punjab History & Culture
📙 English Grammar
Get easy-to-understand rules on tenses, active/passive voice, and common errors with examples tailored for competitive exams.
📖 English Vocabulary
Build strong vocabulary with synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions, and real-life usage.
📜 Punjabi Grammar
Grasp Punjabi grammar through scripts in English and Gurmukhi, aiding both native speakers and those expanding their linguistic skills.
💼 Jobs & Previous Year Papers
Get access to job alerts, previous year solved papers, and exam-specific tips that bring you closer to selection.
➡️ Browse Jobs & Previous Papers
🎯A Missile, A Movement
The ULPGM-V3 test is more than a military victory—it represents India’s bold steps in science, startup collaboration, and technological independence. Every aspirant must understand that national achievements are not just facts to memorize—they’re stories of courage, unity, and vision that shape our future.
So, take pride in our progress, sharpen your GK, and explore related categories on RankersChoice.com that bring you closer to your goals—whether it’s mastering a mock test, writing a motivational caption, or creating educational reels that inspire.