India Enters Elite League with Successful Missile Launch from Indigenous Combat Drone

In a historic leap for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired a missile from a domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), signaling a new era in indigenous drone warfare technology. The successful demonstration of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) from the Archer-NG drone marks a transformative moment for India's military and its self-reliance efforts under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

India successfully tests missile launch from drone in ‘major boost’ to defence capabilities | LiveMint

A Milestone for Indian Defence Innovation

The test, conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, featured the launch of the ULPGM-V3—a lightweight, precision-guided missile developed specifically for UAV platforms. This achievement represents a significant milestone, showcasing India’s capability to arm its drones with advanced weaponry and reduce reliance on imported defence technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the development as a “major boost to India’s defence capabilities,” emphasizing the synergy between DRDO, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in delivering indigenous solutions for modern warfare.

Archer-NG: India’s Next-Generation Combat Drone

At the heart of this success lies the Archer-NG (Next Generation) drone, an advanced medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment. Capable of executing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the drone is also built to carry out offensive operations with precision-guided munitions like the ULPGM.

Archer-NG is equipped with a twin-boom pusher configuration and can carry a payload of up to 300 kilograms. With an altitude ceiling of around 30,000 feet and an endurance range exceeding 24 hours, it is well-suited for modern battlefield environments. The platform recently completed high-speed taxi trials, and its maiden flight is expected by August 2025, following final clearances from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).

The ULPGM-V3 Missile: Precision with Lethality

The ULPGM-V3 is a third-generation, lightweight missile optimized for drone integration. It employs an infrared imaging seeker for day and night targeting, and its fire-and-forget capability allows for minimal operator intervention after launch. With a range of approximately 4 kilometers in daylight and 2.5 kilometers in nighttime conditions, the missile can neutralize heavily armored targets with high accuracy.

The missile's small size and dual-thrust propulsion system make it ideal for deployment on UAVs like the Archer-NG and TAPAS-BH drones. The successful integration and launch demonstrate India's growing expertise in the realm of precision-guided munitions and network-centric warfare.

Integrated Defence Ecosystem and Supporting Technologies

India's success with drone-launched missiles is not an isolated development. It is part of a larger, integrated defence ecosystem that includes platforms such as the Rudrastra vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, the Bhargavastra counter-drone system, and the Akashteer command-and-control battlefield network.

Rudrastra is designed for precision airstrikes and surveillance, offering flexible deployment in high-altitude or urban warfare zones. The Bhargavastra system, equipped with micro-missiles, provides robust defence against enemy UAVs, while Akashteer uses satellite communication, artificial intelligence, and cloud integration to coordinate multiple drones and sensors in real time.

Together, these systems demonstrate India’s comprehensive approach to modern warfare—integrating air, land, and cyber domains to support both strategic deterrence and tactical superiority.

Geopolitical Significance and Global Comparisons

India’s entry into the elite group of countries capable of deploying missile-equipped drones places it alongside global powers such as the United States, China, Israel, and Turkey. As tensions persist along the northern and maritime borders, including ongoing challenges in Ladakh and the Indian Ocean region, such technologies offer India an edge in both deterrence and operational flexibility.

This milestone is also a major step towards boosting defence exports. With many nations seeking affordable, combat-tested UAV systems, India could position itself as a significant player in the global arms market. Countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East have already shown interest in Indian defence platforms, and the success of Archer-NG and ULPGM-V3 could further elevate India’s profile.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in India’s Defence Preparedness

The successful test of a drone-launched missile by DRDO not only showcases India's technological self-reliance but also redefines its position in the evolving global defence landscape. The integration of ULPGM-V3 with the Archer-NG drone proves India’s readiness to adopt next-generation warfare systems that are agile, precise, and indigenous.

With continued investments in drone technology, AI-enabled battlefield systems, and smart munitions, India is poised to transform from a major defence importer to a future defence exporter and innovator. The test is more than just a military breakthrough—it is a testament to India's engineering capabilities, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to national security through self-reliance.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, LiveMint)