Indigenous Stratospheric Airship Project

planned

India has launched a ₹15,000-crore programme to develop indigenous stratospheric airships capable of long-duration surveillance and intelligence missions. The Air Ship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) programme is steered by the Directorate of Operations (Remote) of the Indian Air Force. Selected industry partners will develop prototype airships operating above 20 km altitude for months, performing optical surveillance, electronic intelligence gathering, and long-range communication. The project is approved under the Make-I procurement route, allowing government funding of up to 70% of R&D costs. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the programme in February 2026, covering development and procurement of systems. Multiple Indian aerospace companies have been approached, with at least two development partners to be shortlisted based on technical and financial strength. The programme follows a successful maiden flight trial by DRDO in May 2025.