India Eyes Solar-Powered High-Altitude Satellite for Enhanced Surveillance
The Defence Acquisition Council of India is set to review a significant proposal aimed at enhancing the nation's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the council is anticipated to soon consider the introduction of a solar-powered High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) system.
This proposed HAPS platform marks a notable advancement in unmanned aerial systems, designed to function in the stratosphere at approximately 20 kilometres above sea level, far above commercial flight paths. Powered by solar energy, these systems can remain airborne for extended periods, ranging from days to weeks, delivering continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) without needing frequent recovery or refueling.
Contrary to traditional satellites that necessitate expensive rocket launches, HAPS platforms can be deployed from ordinary airstrips, offering a more economical and versatile alternative. Their capability to deliver ongoing, real-time, high-resolution imagery and signals intelligence makes them especially useful for keeping track of sensitive land borders and expansive maritime areas.
This technology is particularly pertinent for India, providing crucial surveillance capabilities along its northern borders and across the Indian Ocean Region, where continuous monitoring is essential for early warning, situational awareness, and deterrence. Globally, systems such as Airbus's Zephyr have demonstrated the feasibility of prolonged stratospheric flights, highlighting the concept's viability.
India's interest in HAPS aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with potential collaboration from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and private industry partners to develop indigenous capacities.
Should the DAC approve the proposal, it will proceed to the cost negotiation phase before being presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval. Analysts point out that such a system could address existing gaps in aerial surveillance for the Indian Air Force and Navy, offering a cost-efficient, long-duration solution in an increasingly competitive security landscape.
An approval would demonstrate India's commitment to adopting advanced, self-sufficient technologies to maintain continuous surveillance over critical areas, bolstering its overall ISR capabilities amidst evolving regional challenges.
