DRDO, in association with Adani and BDL, has developed an extended-range variant of ULPGM, known as ULM-ER. A model was unveiled at the Aero India 2025 show. (Janes/Rahul Udoshi)
India's state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Launched Missile β Extended Range (ULM-ER) munition for unmanned aerial applications.
Adani Defence and Aerospace showcased a model of the ULM-ER at the Aero India 2025 show held in Bangalore from 10 to 14 February. Speaking to Janes, Adani officials said the company is one of the manufacturing partners of ULM-ER and is currently preparing for initial trials, which are likely to be scheduled for mid-2025.
The ULM-ER, an extended-range variant of DRDO's UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) air-to-surface missile, features passive homing with an imaging infrared (IR) seeker for both day and night operations. The 12.5 kg fire-and-forget missile is powered by a small dual-thrust solid propulsion unit, enabling it to achieve a maximum range of 4 km during the day and 2.5 km at night. Communication is facilitated via a two-way datalink. With multiple warhead options, the munition is designed to engage various static and moving targets.
Adani and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are key manufacturing partners for the ULPGM project, while the DRDO is responsible for the development and testing of the munitions.
There are three known ULPGM variants: ULPGM V1 (baseline), ULPGM V2 (production variant, also known as ULPGM), and ULPGM V3 (extended-range variant, also referred to as ULM-ER).
The primary differences between V1, V2, and V3 lie in enhancements to guidance systems, performance, and range. Adani and DRDO officials declined to provide specific details on the modifications and production timelines.
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