ULPGM-V3 is not your average missile; it’s a smart weapon that launches from a drone and feels more like a flying algorithm than a rocket. Most people think of missiles as noisy, explosive, and spectacular. This one, on the other hand, does its work quietly from high above, using AI and precision technology. No pilots, no noise just locked on to the target and boom.
What is ULPGM-V3, how does it function, and why are those who work in defense technology so excited about it? Let’s make it easier to understand.
What is ULPGM-V3?
The third version of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile is called ULPGM-V3. It’s not just another gun. It shows how modern warfare is changing from hand-to-hand combat to automated combat and from destroying whole cities to hitting specific targets.
This missile is made to be launched from drones and is meant to kill both moving and stationary targets with deadly accuracy. The development and production of it are being done by DRDO and Indian defense partners including BDL and Adani. It was tested successfully in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, in July 2025.
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How Does It Work?
ULPGM-V3 is all about hitting the right target without missing a beat.
- Imaging Infrared Seeker: Think of it like night vision goggles for the missile. It locks onto heat signatures of targets.
- Fire-and-Forget: Once you launch it, there’s no need to control it anymore. It knows where to go.
- Two-Way Datalink: It can send and receive data mid-air. Think of it like texting with the control center during flight.
- Dual-Thrust Rocket: Gives it the right balance between initial push and sustained speed. Smokeless and stealthy.
This missile is built to work both day and night in real combat situations where human reaction time isn’t always fast enough.
Quick Tech Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5 kg |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared seeker |
| Propulsion | Dual-thrust solid rocket |
| Warhead | Multiple types for different target types |
| Communication | Two-way datalink (and possibly S-band RF) |
| Range (official) | 4 km in daytime, 2.5 km at night |
| Range (speculative) | Up to 10 to 12 km (based on expert forums) |
Where Can It Be Used?
ULPGM-V3 is not limited to just one drone or platform. It can be launched from:
- Small UAVs like quadcopters and hexacopters
- Stealth drones such as CATS Warrior or Ghatak
- MALE and HALE class UCAVs
- Attack helicopters
This flexibility means it can be used in border operations, covert strikes, or even high-altitude surveillance missions where ground troops can’t go.
From V1 to V3: What’s New?
Here’s how ULPGM has evolved across its versions:
| Version | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| V1 | Basic testing variant |
| V2 | Production-ready with stable guidance |
| V3 | Extended range, advanced seeker, two-way comms |
ULPGM-V3 is clearly a leap forward, made for next-gen battlefields.
Why This Missile Matters
- It’s Made in India, built under strategic partnerships.
- It adds smart, precise strike capability to our drones.
- It’s lightweight, quick, and doesn’t need human intervention after launch.
India’s increasing use of AI in defense, cooperation between the public and private sectors, and self-driving technologies make this missile a great representation of what combat will be like in the future.
Takeaways to Remember
- ULPGM-V3 is India’s most advanced drone-fired missile, tested successfully in July 2025.
- It combines night vision-like infrared targeting with fire-and-forget capability.
- It reflects India’s leap into precision warfare using AI and drone tech.
Final Thought
More than just a missile, ULPGM-V3 is a statement. It claims that India’s defense is ready for the new era, which will be smarter, cleaner, and more independent. Weapons like this are what make the difference between who leads the fight as drones become the new troops in the skies.
What do you think about defense technology that uses drones? Would you trust weapons that work on their own in battle? Let’s talk.