The Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurement of Air-Ships Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (AS-HAPS) for the Indian Air Force, marking a step towards indigenous high-altitude surveillance capability — an important development frequently analysed in UPSC coaching in Hyderabad under Science & Technology and Defence.
What are HAPS?
- Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the stratosphere at 18–20 km altitude.
- Stay airborne for months or years using solar energy and batteries.
- Provide satellite-like functions at lower cost, hence called “pseudo satellites.”
Features of AS-HAPS
- Hover persistently over specific areas for real-time monitoring.
- Equipped with HD optical/infrared cameras and advanced sensors.
- Suitable for border surveillance, target tracking, maritime monitoring, navigation, and missile detection.
- Operate nearly twice the altitude of commercial aircraft, a concept often discussed in defence modules of IAS coaching in Hyderabad.
India’s Progress
- Developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru.
- In Feb 2024, NAL tested a scaled prototype at Challakere Aeronautical Test Range, Karnataka.
- Prototype: 23 kg, 12 m wingspan, flew for 8.5 hours at 3 km altitude.
- Performance met or exceeded expectations, paving the way for full-scale development — a key update for aspirants following UPSC online coaching.
Strategic Importance
- Provides continuous surveillance without costly rocket launches.
- Enhances border security and maritime domain awareness.
- Supports disaster management and communication networks.
- Reduces dependence on foreign satellites and strengthens self-reliance in defence technology, a recurring theme in civils coaching in Hyderabad.
Conclusion
With indigenous development underway, AS-HAPS will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s monitoring and strategic capabilities. It aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology and represents a major leap in India’s high-altitude surveillance ecosystem.
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