India Advances High Altitude Platform Systems for Border Surveillance & Military
India is making significant progress in the development and deployment of High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), also known as solar-powered pseudo-satellites. Recent flight tests during the winter solstice lasted an impressive 21 hours, marking a major milestone for the indigenous prototype. These HAPS are part of India’s Wingman drone program, with the first flight expected to take place in 2024.
Operating at an altitude of 65,000 feet in the stratosphere, HAPS function similarly to remotely piloted aircraft. They bridge the gap between satellites orbiting the Earth and drones operating in the atmosphere. Thanks to their solar-powered propulsion and stratospheric range, they can remain airborne for months at a time, unaffected by weather conditions or air traffic.
The successful prototype of the HAPS was developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based startup, as part of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program. Sameer Joshi, CEO of NewSpace Research and Technologies and a former fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasized the strategic significance of HAPS, stating, HAPS is a strategic asset and a cross between a satellite and an airplane; with the endurance of a satellite and the agility of an aircraft for a persistent stratospheric presence. A must-have for India to augment the large gap between the demand and supply of ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and communication data by a multitude of military and civilian users and agencies.
So, what exactly are High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS)? These innovative platforms have gained popularity in the field of aerospace technology. While research on these unmanned stratospheric vehicles dates back to the 1990s, recent advancements have taken them to new levels in terms of operations, payloads, and capabilities. HAPS are particularly useful for communication in remote areas with limited infrastructure, as well as in deep-sea environments. They have the potential to revolutionize various sectors such as precision agriculture, smart city management, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions.
The military can greatly benefit from the use of High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites. With India’s vast coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometers and a complex land border extending approximately 15,106.7 kilometers, ensuring border security is of utmost importance. HAPS, positioned at the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, offer effective border surveillance capabilities by detecting movements even in highly challenging areas or the deep sea. By establishing a network of HAPS, India can address the current gaps in satellite services. Additionally, these platforms can play a crucial role in coordinating strike missions, enabling real-time communication with troops stationed in remote areas, and providing Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) through live video feeds and imagery.
The successful deployment of HAPS would enhance India’s military capabilities and enable better assessment of mission effectiveness, as emphasized by the shortcomings faced during the Balakot strikes. The availability of real-time video feeds and imagery would allow commanders to make well-informed decisions, improving the overall operational efficiency.
India’s advancements in the field of High Altitude Platform Systems hold immense promise. With their ability to bridge the gap between satellites and drones, these solar-powered pseudo-satellites have the potential to revolutionize border surveillance, military operations, and a range of civilian applications. As India continues to make significant progress in this area, the nation is poised to strengthen its defense capabilities and improve critical communication infrastructure both at home and abroad.
In conclusion, the successful flight tests of India’s indigenous HAPS prototype demonstrate the nation’s commitment to advancing high-altitude technologies for border surveillance and military applications. With these solar-powered platforms, India aims to address the demand for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communication data, while also enhancing its military capabilities and ensuring the security of its borders. As the deployment of HAPS progresses, it has the potential to transform not only the defense sector but also various civilian industries, enabling unprecedented connectivity and efficiency in remote and challenging environments.
