Successful Drone Missile Trial in Kurnool Draws Praise from Rajnath Singh and Naidu
Successful Drone Missile Trial in Kurnool Draws Praise from Rajnath Singh and Naidu
India tests UAV-launched missile in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool. Rajnath Singh and Chandrababu Naidu call it a major leap in defence tech.
The Defense Research & Development Organization has successfully conducted UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 flight trials at the National Open Area Range (NOAR), a test range located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The success of the DRDO was praised by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who described it as a significant improvement in India's defense capabilities.
Additionally, Raksha Mantri congratulated DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs, and startups on the successful development and testing of the ULPGM-V3 system. "This achievement demonstrates that the Indian industry can now adopt and manufacture critical defense technologies," RM added. By lowering reliance on foreign suppliers and bolstering domestic security infrastructure, it represents a significant step toward self-reliance and the production of vital defense technologies.
Raksha Mantri stated in a post on "X" that "In a significant increase to India's defense capabilities,
"@DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies.”
Responding to the development, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu tweeted,
“It is a proud moment that our State contributes to India’s defence strength. The ULPGM‑V3 success reflects the true spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
The missile, which operates on the fire-and-forget principle and is regarded as a pivotal step in next-generation combat readiness, is made to accurately destroy fixed-wing unmanned aerial targets. The V3 variant, which was developed on the previous ULPGM-V2 platform, highlights India's drive for affordable, high-precision weapons. One of DRDO's most cutting-edge facilities is the 2,200-acre NOAR test range. Advanced systems, such as directed-energy weapons, have been tested there.
This technological achievement enhances deterrence and fortifies India's unmanned combat capabilities. To manage future conflicts responsibly, India will require clear operational doctrines, ethical standards, and international transparency as UAV warfare develops globally.
