India develops stratospheric airships
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026
The programme boosts India's defence industrial base and may create opportunities for private aerospace firms. It signals long-term investment in indigenous ISR capabilities, potentially reducing future defence imports.
India has initiated the Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme to develop indigenous stratospheric airships for persistent surveillance, intelligence gathering, and long-range communications. The project, steered by the India — Indian Air Force's India — Directorate of Census Operations under the Make-I procurement framework, allows the government to fund up to 70% of development costs. The India — Defence Acquisition Council cleared the project in February 2026, with an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore. The India — Defence Research and Development Organisation demonstrated the technology in May 2025 by flying a prototype to 17 km. Several private companies are competing for selection as development partners. The airships will operate at 20-30 km altitude, bridging drones and satellites, and carry indigenous sensors. India aims to reduce dependence on imported surveillance systems and enhance border monitoring.
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