Source: TOI
Context: India successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the NOAR test range, Kurnool.
- The missile marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous drone warfare capabilities.
About UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3:
- What it is:
- A UAV-Launched air-to-surface precision guided missile, designed for engaging static and moving targets with minimal collateral damage.
- Developed by: DRDO, in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Adani, and multiple MSMEs and start-ups under the Make in India initiative.
- Objective: To enhance India’s autonomous strike capability, allowing drones to deliver pinpoint attacks without risking pilots or manned aircraft.
- Variants:
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- ULPGM-V1: Baseline prototype.
- ULPGM-V2: Production-ready variant (standard issue).
- ULPGM-V3 (ULM-ER): Extended-range, improved variant.
- Key Features of ULPGM-V3:
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- Precision Strike Capability: Fire-and-forget missile with imaging infrared (IR) seeker, ensuring day and night target acquisition.
- Extended Range Performance: Effective range: 4 km (day) and 2.5 km (night) due to dual-thrust solid propulsion.
- Advanced Targeting and Control: Two-way datalink enables real-time communication and mid-course updates, improving accuracy.
- Warhead Flexibility: Equipped with multiple warhead configurations, suited for anti-tank, bunker-busting, and soft target missions.
- Lightweight UAV Integration: Weight: 12.5 kg, enabling integration with lightweight drones like Rustom and TAPAS-BH UAVs.
- Significance for National Defence:
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- Strategic Autonomy in UAV Warfare: Enhances India’s UAV-based offensive capabilities, crucial in border surveillance and anti-terror operations.
- Boost to Export Potential: High potential for export to friendly nations under the Defence Export Policy 2020.
- Technology Indigenisation Milestone: Validates DRDO’s capacity to develop and trial cutting-edge autonomous weapon systems.
