India launches new extended-range precision-guided missile from UAV

A UAV launches a prototype of the ULPGM-V3 precision guided missile at NOAR test range in Andhra Pradesh in July 2025. (DRDO)

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it has test-launched a new extended-range version of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM) from an unmanned airborne platform.

Designated as the ULPGM-V3, the missile was launched from a quadcopter-style UAV at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on 25 July, according to a statement by the MoD.

The ULPGM-V3 missile is an enhanced variant of the lightweight, short‐range air-to-surface ULPGM-V2 developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the MoD said. Janes has assessed that the Indian Army began inducting the earlier ULPGM-V2 in 2024.

Featuring a modular design with a slightly elongated cylindrical body, the ULPGM-V3 is “equipped with a high-definition dual-channel seeker that can strike a wide variety of targets”, the MoD added.

According to the MoD, the ULPGM-V3 has a day-and-night capability and two-way datalink to support post-launch target/aim-point updates. ULPGM-V3 can be fired in flat and high-altitude areas, it added.

The ULPGM-V3 was unveiled at Aero India 2025 in February by Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as the UAV Launched Missile – Extended Range (ULM-ER). According to information presented by Adani Defence during the show, the ULM-ER has a maximum range of 4 km during the day and 2.5 km at night. Adani Defence and BDL are development and production partners in the ULPGM programme, the MoD has said.

In contrast, the older ULPGM-V2 has a maximum range of 2.5 km during the day and 1.5 km at night.