HAPS Explained: How India's New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence Capabilities

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) for the Indian Air Force, marking a significant boost to India's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Operating at nearly 20 kilometres above the Earth, HAPS combines the persistence of a satellite with the flexibility of an aircraft, enabling continuous monitoring over a 500-kilometre radius for weeks.India has already demonstrated progress in indigenous HAPS technology through DRDO's Stratospheric Airship Platform and CSIR-NAL's solar-powered fixed-wing aircraft. Powered by solar energy and batteries, these ultra-light aircraft are designed to operate above commercial air traffic and most weather systems, providing long-endurance surveillance for border security, maritime monitoring and strategic intelligence. With a full-scale 20-kilometre flight targeted for 2027, HAPS is expected to become a key force multiplier for the Indian Armed Forces, offering cost-effective and persistent aerial surveillance while reducing dependence on conventional aircraft and satellites.