Indian Air Force Launches Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite

The Indian Air Force (IAF) launches the AS‑HAPS programme to develop unmanned air platforms capable of operating in the stratosphere for extended periods. The programme is relevant as it provides for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) at significantly lower cost than satellites.

AS‑HAPS Programme (IAF):

Dimension	Key Details
Operating domain	The programme comprises unmanned air platforms capable of operating in the stratosphere at 20–30 km altitude for extended periods.
Purpose	The programme provides for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) at significantly lower cost than satellites.
Lead agency	The programme is authorised through the Directorate of Operations (Remote), Indian Air Force (IAF).
Procurement framework	The programme is governed by Make‑I, and provides for Centre funding up to 70% of development costs for a prototype to selected industry partners.
Prototype airship: roles	The prototype airship comprises optical surveillance, electronic intelligence gathering, and long-range communications.
Altitude positioning (comparative)	The platform comprises an operating band between high‑altitude drones at 12 km and low‑Earth orbit satellites at 500–2,000 km.
Design feature	The platform comprises a steerable airship that is repositionable over areas of interest.
Payloads	The payload comprises an array of sensors, radars, and electro‑optical systems for long-range surveillance planned to develop domestically.
Additional plans	The programme comprises fixed‑wing HAPS for conventional take-off and extended surveillance missions.
Global context	Europe comprises the EUROHAPS project in prototype stage, and Thales Alenia’s Stratobus targets early 2030s; the US comprises tested high‑altitude airships with none operational; China comprises high‑altitude balloons spotted worldwide, including over India, and is believed to be pursuing military‑grade AS‑HAPS.
Capability features stated	The platform provides for long‑duration surveillance without satellite costs, authorises data relay that bridges ground networks and satellites, and provides for enhanced surveillance and communication capabilities for national security.