What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

They may ask which variant introduced propulsion (V2) versus which introduced dual-mode capability (V3), or confuse the roles of different DRDO labs involved (RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: The missile variant is ULPGM-V3, tested at Kurnool, AP. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad is the nodal DRDO lab. 3. Target this Capability: Dual air-to-ground and air-to-air engagement, including anti-drone role.

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DRDO's ULPGM-V3 Missile Clears Final Trials, Features Dual Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air Modes for Anti-Drone Warfare

Q: Which DRDO laboratory acted as the nodal lab for the development of the ULPGM-V3 missile, as per the article?

Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, The article explicitly states that the ULPGM missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad as the nodal lab, along with other DRDO laboratories.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the ULPGM-V3 missile: 1. It can operate in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes, engaging targets like tanks and drones. 2. It features a two-way data link, allowing target updates after launch. 3. The ULPGM-V1 variant introduced propulsion and longer range, while V2 introduced dual-mode capability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2, Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: V2 introduced propulsion and longer range, while V3 added the dual-mode capability (air-to-ground and air-to-air).

Q: Where were the final development trials of the ULPGM-V3 missile conducted, according to the news article?

National Open Area Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, The article specifies that the final development trials were carried out at DRDO's National Open Area Range test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Q: What is a key strategic significance of developing systems like the ULPGM-V3, as highlighted in the article?

To shift towards network-centric warfare integrating drones, sensors, and command systems, The article emphasizes that such systems reflect the growing shift towards network-centric warfare, where drones, sensors, and command systems work together in real-time for precision strikes, a key theme in modern combat.

Science & Tech Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

22 May 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:ULPGM-V3

Bodies:DRDOMinistry of DefenceBharat Dynamics LimitedAdani Defence Systems and Technologies LimitedResearch Centre ImaratDefence Research and Development LaboratoryTerminal Ballistics Research LaboratoryHigh Energy Materials Research Laboratory

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.DRDO completed final development trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, paving way for user trials.

2.The V3 variant is a major upgrade over V1 and V2, featuring dual air-to-ground/air-to-air modes, advanced seekers, and multiple warhead options for anti-drone and anti-armour roles.

3.The development reflects the strategic shift towards network-centric warfare and indigenous defence production, involving DRDO labs, PSUs, and private sector firms like Adani Defence.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

DRDO has successfully completed final development trials of the indigenous ULPGM-V3 missile, a versatile drone-launched weapon capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets. This marks a significant advancement in India's anti-drone and network-centric warfare capabilities, crucial for modern battlefield scenarios.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Missile NameUAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Trial LocationNational Open Area Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

Nodal DRDO LabResearch Centre Imarat, Hyderabad

Production AgenciesBharat Dynamics Ltd & Adani Defence Systems

1-Minute Revision

›Missile Name: UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3
›Trial Location: National Open Area Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
›Target this Data: The missile variant is ULPGM-V3, tested at Kurnool, AP.
›Target this Nodal Body: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad is the nodal DRDO lab.
›Target this Capability: Dual air-to-ground and air-to-air engagement, including anti-drone role.

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News Snapshot

🚀

Indigenous Tech Leap

ULPGM-V3 represents a major upgrade in India's indigenous drone-launched missile capability, moving from basic free-fall (V1) to a versatile dual-mode weapon.

🎯

Dual Combat Role

The missile can engage both ground targets (tanks, bunkers) and aerial threats (drones, helicopters) with precision, using a high-definition dual-channel seeker.

🤝

Public-Private Push

Developed by DRDO labs and slated for production by Bharat Dynamics and Adani Defence, it highlights the growing role of the private sector in defence.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The evolution from ULPGM-V1 (basic free-fall) to V3 mirrors the global shift towards drone-centric warfare. Drones have transitioned from mere surveillance tools to key platforms for precision strikes and counter-drone operations, necessitating advanced indigenous weapon systems.

Core Analysis & Implications

The ULPGM-V3's capabilities (dual-mode engagement, two-way data link, multiple warheads) make it a force multiplier. It enhances India's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy, particularly against drone swarms and armoured thrusts. Its integration with Indian UAVs promotes ecosystem synergy and reduces import dependency.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Successful user trials will lead to induction, primarily for the Army. DRDO is focusing on integrating ULPGM with long-endurance UAVs. This development underscores India's commitment to 'Atmanirbharta' in defence and positions it in the league of nations mastering drone-launched precision munitions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Missile NameUAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Trial LocationNational Open Area Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

Nodal DRDO LabResearch Centre Imarat, Hyderabad

Production AgenciesBharat Dynamics Ltd & Adani Defence Systems

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC

Which DRDO laboratory acted as the nodal lab for the development of the ULPGM-V3 missile, as per the article?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC

Consider the following statements regarding the ULPGM-V3 missile:

1. It can operate in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes, engaging targets like tanks and drones.

2. It features a two-way data link, allowing target updates after launch.

3. The ULPGM-V1 variant introduced propulsion and longer range, while V2 introduced dual-mode capability.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC

Where were the final development trials of the ULPGM-V3 missile conducted, according to the news article?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC

What is a key strategic significance of developing systems like the ULPGM-V3, as highlighted in the article?

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DRDO's ULPGM-V3 Missile Clears Final Trials, Features Dual Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air Modes for Anti-Drone Warfare

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Indigenous Tech Leap

Dual Combat Role

Public-Private Push

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance