DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Test of Indigenous High Altitude Platform (HAPS)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of an indigenously developed High Altitude Platform (HAPS). During this experimental flight, the platform attained an altitude of 21 kilometers above mean sea level (AMSL). Additionally, the platform remained stable at an altitude of 20 kilometers above sea level for over 30 minutes before receiving instructions to return to the ground.

During the flight, real-time video data from the airborne platform and all other vehicle-related parameters were received at the ground control station, confirming the designated flight performance. The system was successfully recovered, and its performance data was subsequently analyzed. The system was equipped with onboard cameras, an altitude control mechanism, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an inertial measurement unit, a control electronics package, and other critical sub-systems.

This High Altitude Platform is a lighter-than-air system designed and developed to serve as a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform. It is being developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) based in Agra. The test was completed in coordination with the Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other civil authorities.

Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings, and the industry for the successful test. He stated that this test is a significant achievement in India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' journey toward the construction of long-endurance stratospheric airships. Defence Secretary and Chairman of DRDO, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, also extended his congratulations to the teams involved in the flight test.