DAC approves advanced surveillance platforms
India Strengthens Aerial Surveillance with High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Approval: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This approval forms part of a larger capital acquisition package worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, which includes fighter aircraft and missile systems.
The AS-HAPS programme, estimated at ₹15,000 crore, aims to strengthen India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. After AoN approval, the proposal will proceed to cost negotiations and final clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the highest authority for defence decisions.
Static GK fact: The Defence Acquisition Council was established in 2001 and is chaired by the Defence Minister of India to oversee military procurement.
Understanding High Altitude Pseudo Satellites
High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) are solar-powered unmanned aerial platforms designed to operate in the stratosphere at altitudes of 18–20 km. This altitude is nearly double the cruising height of commercial aircraft, allowing wide-area monitoring.
Unlike conventional satellites orbiting above 200 km, HAPS platforms can remain airborne for months using solar panels and onboard batteries. They function as persistent observation systems equipped with optical sensors, infrared cameras, and communication payloads.
Static GK Tip: The stratosphere, where HAPS operate, extends from approximately 12 km to 50 km above Earth’s surface and is ideal for stable aerial platforms due to minimal weather disturbances.
Strategic importance for national security
The need for continuous surveillance became critical after the 2017 Doklam standoff between India and China, which exposed limitations in persistent monitoring. Conventional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have limited endurance, while satellites cannot remain fixed over a specific region.
HAPS platforms fill this operational gap by providing continuous, real-time monitoring of sensitive border regions. They enhance Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), terrain analysis, troop movement tracking, and communication interception.
These systems act as “pseudo satellites”, offering satellite-like capabilities at significantly lower cost and greater operational flexibility.
Indigenous development and private sector role
India has made significant progress in indigenous HAPS development through the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru. In February 2024, NAL successfully tested a prototype at the Challakere Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka.
The organization aims to develop a full-scale HAPS platform with a 30-metre wingspan capable of operating at 23 km altitude by 2027. Public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private firms like NewSpace Research and Technologies are also contributing under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.
Static GK fact: The iDEX initiative, launched in 2018, promotes innovation by supporting start-ups and MSMEs in defence technology development.
Broader applications and global significance
Apart from military surveillance, HAPS platforms can support disaster management, remote communication, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture. They can also extend 5G connectivity to remote and border areas, improving digital infrastructure.
Globally, countries like the United States, China, United Kingdom, and South Korea are investing heavily in HAPS technology. These systems bridge the gap between traditional drones and space-based satellites, offering cost-effective and persistent aerial coverage.
India’s adoption of HAPS reflects its commitment to strengthening self-reliance in defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Strengthens Aerial Surveillance with High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Approval:
| Topic | Detail |
| Approval authority | Defence Acquisition Council |
| System approved | Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite |
| Beneficiary | Indian Air Force |
| Estimated cost | ₹15,000 crore |
| Operational altitude | 18–20 km in stratosphere |
| Power source | Solar energy and battery systems |
| Indigenous developer | National Aerospace Laboratories |
| Test location | Challakere Aeronautical Test Range, Karnataka |
| Supporting initiative | Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) |
| Final approval authority | Cabinet Committee on Security |
