DRDO Tests High-Altitude Platform at 20 km

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) on 6 October 2026. The experimental platform reached 21 km above mean sea level and remained at 20 km for more than 30 minutes.

High-Altitude Platform System

A High-Altitude Platform System is a lighter-than-air aerial system designed for operation in the stratosphere. The DRDO platform is intended as a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform.

The system was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra. ADRDE is a DRDO laboratory that works on aerial delivery and related systems.

Flight Trial Features

During the trial, the platform was commanded to descend after the altitude test and was successfully recovered. Flight performance data were analysed after recovery.

• Real-time video and vehicle parameters were transmitted to the Ground Control Station throughout the flight.
• The platform carried an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, onboard cameras, and an altitude-control mechanism.
• The trial used instrumentation and control electronic systems for flight monitoring and control.

Agencies Involved in the Trial

The trial was conducted with coordination from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). These bodies are linked with military aviation, certification, civil aviation regulation, and airport management in India.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• ADRDE stands for Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment.
• HAPS refers to a High-Altitude Platform System used in the stratosphere.
• IMU and GPS are standard navigation and sensing systems used in aerospace platforms.

Defence and Technology Context

Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings, and industry involved in the trial. The development is linked with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence technology.