DRDO’s experimental flight sustains 20 km altitude for over 30 minutes

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful completion of an experimental flight of its High‑Altitude Platform System (HAPS) on Tuesday. The platform ascended to 21 kilometres above sea level and, after reaching 20 kilometres, remained at that altitude for more than 30 minutes, showcasing its endurance in the stratospheric environment.

Equipped with an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, onboard imaging systems and a precise altitude‑control mechanism, the platform transmitted live video and telemetry to a ground‑based control station throughout the mission. The data collected will be examined to evaluate the system’s performance and reliability.

The test was a joint effort involving the Indian Air Force, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and other civil authorities. DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Research and Development Establishment (ADRD) in Agra is responsible for the design and development of the platform, which is intended for long‑duration stratospheric monitoring and communication tasks.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector enterprises and industry partners, describing the achievement as a pivotal step toward self‑sufficiency in advanced aerospace technology.