The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed final development trials of the ULPGM V3 in both air to ground and air to air modes. This topic is important for aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC online coaching, and UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
ULPGM V3
• The ULPGM V3 is a precision guided missile designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, with support from other DRDO laboratories.
• It enhances India’s indigenous defence technology and modern warfare readiness.
Key Features
• Dual Channel Seeker: High definition optics for engaging diverse targets.
• Operational Flexibility: Effective in plains as well as high altitude regions.
• Day Night Capability: Equipped with a two way data link for post launch target updates.
Modular Warheads
• Anti Armour: Capable of defeating Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) tanks.
• Penetration cum Blast: Designed for anti bunker operations.
• Pre Fragmentation: Creates a high lethality zone against enemy targets.
Technical Specifications
• Range: Up to 4 km during daytime and 2.5 km at night.
• Weight: Around 12.5 kg, enabling integration with lightweight drones and portability for soldiers.
Strategic Significance
• Enhances UAV strike capability, reducing risks to pilots.
• Supports mountain warfare and remote military operations.
• Strengthens India’s counter armour and bunker busting capability.
• Boosts the Make in India defence ecosystem by reducing import dependence.
• Improves India’s preparedness in next generation drone warfare.
Way Forward
• Integration with armed UAV platforms such as Rustom II and future swarm drone systems.
• Export potential to friendly countries under India’s defence diplomacy initiatives.
• Continuous upgrades using AI enabled targeting systems and extended range seekers.
• Further indigenous R&D in autonomous warfare technologies.
Relevance for UPSC
• Important for GS3 Science and Technology and Internal Security.
• Relevant for topics related to defence modernisation, drone warfare, indigenous technology, and strategic security.
Students preparing through Hyderabad IAS coaching, IAS coaching, and civils coaching in Hyderabad should focus on India’s growing indigenous defence ecosystem and UAV technologies.
Conclusion
The ULPGM V3 represents a major leap in India’s indigenous precision strike capability. It strengthens drone warfare capacity, battlefield flexibility, and self reliance in advanced defence technology, positioning India for future network centric warfare systems.
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