DRDO indigenous defense technology testing

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted successful trials for several indigenous defense systems. Initial tests focused on the High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS), a lighter-than-air airship designed for long-endurance stratospheric flight, surveillance, and communications. The platform reached an altitude of 21 km and maintained approximately 20 km for over 30 minutes.

Recent flight trials of the HAPS, developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), confirmed the unmanned aircraft can reach altitudes of approximately 21 kilometres. A technology demonstrator also reached an altitude of about 12 kilometres over Pokhran. The long-term objective is to develop platforms capable of remaining airborne for 30 to 45 days by harvesting solar energy, allowing them to function as high-altitude pseudo-satellites.

These systems are intended to provide persistent border surveillance, intelligence gathering, and communications relay capabilities. Compared to traditional satellites, HAPS offer lower launch costs, the ability to be recovered and reused, and the capacity to remain positioned over specific regions for extended periods. These trials were conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and civil aviation authorities.

Alongside HAPS, DRDO demonstrated the Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) through a live jump at 16,000 feet in Ladakh. Subsequent developments include progress in the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) program. The system has completed developmental trials for its Multi-Function Radar (MFR), designed to track aircraft, drones, and anti-ship missiles to provide Indian Navy warships with rapid-response air-defence capabilities.