India Completes Final Trials of Drone-Launched Precision Missile

India completed final developmental trials of a new precision guided missile that can be launched from drones to engage both ground and aerial targets. The Defense Ministry said the missile, designated ULPGM-V3, was tested in Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes at a test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The ministry stated that the Ground Control System used to operate the weapon incorporates state-of-the-art technologies to automate readiness and launch operations. An image released by the ministry showed the missile launched from a multi-rotor drone destroying another drone in mid-air.

The Defense Research and Development

Organisation partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited for development and production. A ministry statement said the missile was produced entirely through the Indian defense ecosystem involving many small and medium companies.

The trials confirmed a fully mature domestic supply chain equipped for immediate serial mass production, according to the ministry.

Singh called the successful trials a strategic milestone toward self-reliance in defense. R.K. Narang, a senior fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, said the missile provides mobility to air defense capability and reduces the cost of defending against drones.

Narang added that the new missile is the beginning of developing miniaturized weapons for India's drone segment. India's Air Force Chief A.P. Singh said at a seminar earlier this month that there are no more eyes in the sky; there are claws in the sky now.