DRDO Successfully Test-Fires Drone-Launched Missile, Marks Major Leap In Defence Tech

In a significant leap for India's defence prowess, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The trial was conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the success of the test on Friday, calling it a "major boost" to India's defence strength. He extended his congratulations to DRDO and its industry collaborators, including Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and start-ups, for their contribution to this achievement.

The ULPGM-V3 system, designed specifically for drone-based launch platforms, is a state-of-the-art addition to India's precision-strike capabilities and reflects the country's growing emphasis on unmanned and intelligent warfare technologies.

Massive Push for Indigenous Technology: 2,000+ Technology Transfer Agreements in 2024
Alongside breakthroughs in weapons development, DRDO continues to spearhead efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. According to Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General (PC&SI), over 2,000 technology transfer agreements were signed in 2024, with more than 200 production licenses issued.

Speaking at the CII Manufacturing Conclave East in Kolkata, Dr Kaushik highlighted the growing engagement of the private sector under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which provides up to ₹50 crore in funding per system, backed by technical mentorship from DRDO scientists.

Expanding Defence Ecosystem Through MSMEs and Start-Ups
Over the past five years, DRDO has partnered with more than 130 industries, recognising them as either development collaborators or production agencies. These include MSMEs, start-ups, and established industrial giants, strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.

Industry expert Sudhanshu Mani, known for his role in developing the Vande Bharat Express, stressed the importance of synchronising manufacturing with logistics. Ashish Anupam from Tata Steel added that eastern India is witnessing growth outpacing the national average, indicating a positive outlook for defence manufacturing in the region.

CII's Global Strategy to Support Indian Defence Manufacturing
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is also playing a strategic role by promoting the Market Facilitation Services (MFS) initiative. This effort is designed to help Indian defence manufacturers gain global market access and boost export competitiveness.

These developments underscore DRDO's comprehensive strategy: combining the development of advanced indigenous defence technology with the creation of a robust, self-sustaining industrial ecosystem that fosters innovation and production excellence.