India advances indigenous defense technology with HAP and VL-SRSAM tests

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested a domestically developed High Altitude Platform (HAP) designed for long-endurance surveillance and communication. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the lighter-than-air system reached an altitude of 21 kilometres and maintained a hover at 20 kilometres for over 30 minutes during its trial.

In a separate development, the indigenous Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) program is progressing toward User Evaluation Trials. The system has successfully completed developmental trials for its Multi-Function Radar (MFR), which is essential for detecting and tracking airborne threats such as aircraft, drones, and anti-ship missiles. The VL-SRSAM is intended to provide Indian Navy warships with rapid-response air-defence capabilities, particularly against sea-skimming threats, to enhance maritime security and reduce reliance on imported missile systems.