What happened?
On 25 July 2025, India successfully conducted flight trials of the third-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The test was led by DRDO, with the missile launched from a UAV developed by Indian start-up Newspace Research Technologies. The missile features advanced guidance, modular warheads, and a secure two-way data link for mid-course corrections. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a “significant boost to India’s defence capabilities.
Why it matters to India
The successful test marks a major milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence technologies and self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Its precision strike capability from UAVs significantly boosts India’s operational flexibility, especially in challenging terrains like high-altitude border regions. The integration of advanced seekers, modular warheads, and real-time data links positions India among a select group of nations with such cutting-edge drone-launched weapon systems, enhancing both national security and global defence stature.