India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to test the third version of its Unmanned Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM V3). This marks an important step forward in the country’s unmanned aerial warfare technology.
The new version offers better range, improved accuracy, and greater flexibility compared to earlier models. This development is a significant boost to India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence technology.
The ULPGM V3 has been developed through a partnership between DRDO and Adani Defence, with Adani Defence handling its production. This collaboration highlights India’s efforts to include the private sector in defence manufacturing as part of the “Make in India” initiative.
DRDO has acquired a hexacopter drone for testing the ULPGM V3. With its improved range and accuracy, the ULPGM V3 is expected to greatly boost the Indian military’s ability to carry out precise strikes on key targets, especially in situations where using regular aircraft is difficult or dangerous.
According to sources, the ULPGM V3 is designed as a missile with a range of 10 kilometers, equipped with an S-band RF seeker. The S-band refers to a specific range of radio frequencies (2 to 4 GHz) commonly used for radar and communication systems because it effectively balances range and resolution. An RF (Radio Frequency) seeker is a guidance system that uses these radio waves to detect, track, and lock onto targets, ensuring high accuracy during flight. This combination allows the missile to perform precise strikes even in challenging conditions.
The ULPGM V3 weighs between 5 to 8.5 kilograms and is equipped with a 2-kilogram warhead. It is designed to destroy both stationary and moving targets with high precision. Fully autonomous, the missile can operate effectively in both day and night conditions, making it a versatile and reliable weapon for a range of mission scenarios.
This progress showcases India’s advancing skills in unmanned systems and its dedication to creating homegrown defence technologies. Once fully operational, the ULPGM V3 could become an important asset for the Indian military, offering a powerful and flexible tool for accurate strikes in modern warfare.
(The author of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: [email protected])
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own and do not reflect those of DNA)
Link to article –
Hexacopter-Launched Havoc: India’s ULPGM V3 poised to revolutionize unmanned warfare
