India is advancing its ₹15,000 crore Airship-Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme to deliver persistent surveillance, secure communications, and intelligence gathering by deploying solar-powered helium airships in the stratosphere at altitudes of 20–25 km.
Designed to bridge the capability gap between drones and satellites, the airships will be capable of remaining over a single location for months, providing continuous monitoring of India's borders and the Indian Ocean Region. Unlike satellites, AS-HAPS platforms can be redeployed, maintained more easily, and offer higher-resolution imagery.
The programme, led by the Indian Air Force with support from DRDO and private industry under the Make-I framework, follows a successful high-altitude technology demonstration in 2025. Once operational, AS-HAPS is expected to significantly strengthen India's surveillance, reconnaissance, and communication capabilities while boosting indigenous aerospace development.
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