In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian Army has confirmed a ₹168 crore order for a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed specifically for long-endurance border surveillance. This innovative system, named the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), has been developed by the Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme.
This order represents a pivotal move toward the integration of solar-powered UAVs within the Indian armed forces, marking a departure from traditional battery-operated and tethered drones that were previously utilized.
MAPSS is engineered to conduct medium-altitude, long-endurance missions, providing continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across India’s expansive and varied borders, which stretch from the heights of the Himalayas to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan. Its solar-electric propulsion system allows for prolonged flight durations without the need for frequent landings or refuelling, greatly minimizing logistical challenges in remote regions.
Defence sources indicate that the MAPSS will facilitate several critical functions, including:
– Persistent ISR and monitoring of borders
– Electronic intelligence (ELINT) operations
– Communication relay in areas lacking connectivity
– Artillery spotting and battlefield overview
The UAV’s electric propulsion system also contributes to low acoustic and thermal signatures, making it more challenging to detect.
The development of MAPSS stems from NRT’s research on solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), which have already set national endurance records. Earlier test flights at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga have reportedly showcased flights lasting over 24–27 hours at altitudes exceeding 26,000 feet, even under low-sunlight conditions. Building on these high-altitude trials, MAPSS has been refined for medium-altitude operations, demonstrating its capabilities in Army deployment zones.
The procurement of MAPSS signifies the Army’s ongoing transformation toward unmanned warfare, particularly highlighted by the recent Operation Sindoor. Following this operation, the Army has integrated various unmanned systems, including loitering munitions, kamikaze drones, and surveillance UAVs, amounting to over ₹5,000 crore from Indian manufacturers. The Defence Acquisition Council has also provided approvals for additional drone acquisitions worth nearly ₹3,000 crore, with expectations for a more substantial ₹20,000 crore fast-track procurement initiative slated for 2026.
Strategically, defense officials assert that MAPSS will enhance existing medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs by offering networked ISR capabilities at frontline units. This will bolster situational awareness while avoiding the need for manned or high-signature platforms, aligning with contemporary military strategies.
The introduction of MAPSS underscores the increasingly vital role that Indian startups play in the modernization of defense capabilities, with iDEX serving as a crucial link between innovation and military application. As the global UAV market continues to expand, India’s embrace of solar-powered, persistent surveillance drones marks a significant shift toward technology-driven, sustainable, and autonomous military operations. This move not only strengthens border security but also amplifies the commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
