India has approved the acquisition of an indigenous High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) capability to strengthen persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) while bridging capability gaps before its planned military satellite constellation becomes fully operational. Operating in the stratosphere at altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet, HAPS platforms combine solar-powered propulsion, lightweight composite airframes, and long-endurance flight characteristics to remain airborne for weeks or months. Unlike conventional satellites that revisit target areas periodically, HAPS provide uninterrupted surveillance using electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and signals intelligence payloads. Indigenous programs led by CSIR-NAL and NewSpace Research & Technologies are progressing toward operational deployment, supporting border security, maritime monitoring, communications relay, and strategic reconnaissance with reduced operational costs compared to satellite constellations.
