DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite Platform for Stratospheric Surveillance

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful flight test of its indigenous High Altitude Platform (HAPS) System, which is yet another milestone on the way to building surveillance capabilities in the stratosphere. During the test, the platform flew up to 21 kilometers AMSL and stayed at 20 kilometers AMSL for more than 30 minutes before coming down on command.

DRDO HAPS Flight Test: Key Details

DRDO HAPS was designed by the Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE) based in Agra. The system transmitted live video and vehicle performance data to the Ground Control Station throughout the flight. This helped in evaluating the flight dynamics and the performance of the various systems on board.

Various instrumentation and control systems were loaded onto the platform which included an inertial measurement unit, GPS system, on-board camera and altitude control mechanisms. The successful functioning of these systems provided significant information for further research in airship technology.

What Is a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite?

HAPS, or High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite system, is an aerial device made for stratospheric-long operations. Unlike the geographic satellites, HAPS devices operate within the range of the atmosphere and thus can perform their functions of surveillance, communication, and earth observation in a constant manner.

The system developed by DRDO is assumed to be a lighter-than-air system acting as a long-duration aerial monitoring machine. Its working height being about 20 km above the surface, makes it possible to exercise control over the large territories.

Importance for India’s Defence Surveillance

The new trial builds on the earlier achievements of the DRDO. In May 2025, the organization conducted the first test flights of the Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, where it Ascended to about 17 kilometers and managed a flight of around 62 minutes. The achievement in the year 2026 in the HAPS flight testing is a step forward in the development of indigenous long-endurance airships making India strong in terms of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

According to the Defence Ministry, this trial is a significant achievement in the development of long endurance airships under the larger Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

This significant achievement was a multi-agency effort involving the Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India, and other civil-owned departments in conducting this high-altitude flight testing.

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