DRDO tests high-altitude platform, keeps it at 20 km for over 30 minutes

In this image posted on Oct. 6, 2026, High Altitude Platform System (HAPS), a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform designed and developed by ADRDE, Agra was successfully flight tested. | Photo Credit: X/@DRFO_India/via PTI The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS), with the experimental platform reaching an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level and remaining at 20 km for more than 30 minutes.The Defence Ministry said the platform, developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, was a lighter-than-air system being designed as a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform.During the trial, the HAPS was commanded to descend after maintaining the designated altitude and was successfully recovered. Flight performance data were subsequently analysed.Real-time video and vehicle parameters were transmitted to the Ground Control Station throughout the flight, demonstrating the intended performance of the system.The platform carried several instrumentation and control electronic systems, including an inertial measurement unit, Global Positioning System receiver, onboard cameras and an altitude-control mechanism, besides other subsystems.The trial was conducted in coordination with the Indian Air Force, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.‘Key milestone’Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the IAF, public sector undertakings and industry involved in the trial, describing the achievement as an important milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive towards developing a long-endurance stratospheric airship.Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial. Published - October 06, 2026 08:39 pm IST