Indian pseudo satellite UAV development is on schedule
A small prototype of a new Indian HAPS UAV design will fly by Q3 of 2022. (HAL)
India is exploring different types of UAVs, and in development are naval transport and HAPS types.
India’s MoD is developing a $94 million high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) UAV for the Indian Air Force, the country’s first such government-funded programme.
It is being co-developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bengaluru-based technology start-up NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) for future space-based communications and surveillance.
Sameer Joshi, CEO and Director of NRT, told Shephard: ‘The feasibility study is over, and the first sub-scale prototype will fly by Q3 of 2022. Customised payload development is taking place.’
The expected timeline to fly the full-scale solar-powered prototype, with an endurance of three months at 65,000ft, will be four years,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II]()
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
