New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has moved a step closer to acquiring high-altitude pseudo-satellites that can remain above a designated area for weeks and months, offering continuous surveillance without the need for a conventional satellite. The IAF has invited domestic companies to design and develop these solar-powered platforms for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The proposed high-altitude pseudo-satellite (Haps) will function in the stratosphere at around 20km above the ground, far higher than conventional unmanned aerial vehicles. These platforms are built to combine some of the capabilities of satellites with the flexibility of aircraft, allowing them to be controlled, brought back to the ground and relaunched when required.
According to the IAF’s requirement, the platforms will support persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, telecommunications and remote sensing. They will also be able to act as airborne data relays for other unmanned platforms connected to ground stations and are expected to have the ability to intercept electronic signals from adversaries.
The Tribune reported that the IAF issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) on Thursday inviting Indian industry to submit bids for the design and development of the Haps platforms. The move follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) approval two months ago for the procurement of Haps platforms for the IAF.
The platforms will use fixed wings similar to conventional aircraft and will be powered by solar energy and batteries. Their solar system will use extremely thin solar film technology designed specifically for such aircraft rather than conventional rooftop solar panels.
One of the key advantages of Haps is their ability to provide long-duration coverage over a specific geographical area at a much lower cost than launching and maintaining a spacecraft. Unlike satellites, which remain in orbit until they are deorbited or become space debris, a Haps can be brought back to Earth and landed on a relatively small runway.
The platforms are expected to provide clear line-of-sight communication over distances of up to 200km. When connected through satellites, their communication range is expected to extend to at least 400km, making them useful for maintaining links between forces, unmanned systems and ground stations.
The Haps requirement is part of a procurement process that began around two years ago when the defence ministry issued a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI sought three Haps platforms for the IAF and invited Indian manufacturers to take part in the initial stage of the acquisition process.
The companies now invited to bid had earlier taken part in the RFI process. Separately, the Indian Navy signed an agreement in 2024 with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NSRT) to design and develop an indigenous Haps platform.
The Navy’s Haps programme is being supported by the defence ministry under its Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. Together, these efforts point to India’s broader push to develop high-endurance unmanned platforms that can provide persistent surveillance and communications support without relying entirely on conventional satellites.