Eyes in the Sky: Indian Army to Get Indigenous Solar Drones, Surveillance Capability to Multiply

New Delhi: In a significant boost to its surveillance and intelligence‑gathering capabilities, the Indian Army is set to induct indigenous solar‑powered drones, marking another major step towards modern warfare readiness and self‑reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

According to media reports, the Army has placed orders worth ₹168 crore with Bengaluru‑based startup NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) for advanced solar drones. These drones, officially classified as Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance Systems (MAPSS), are designed to remain airborne for extended durations, providing uninterrupted real‑time intelligence across critical frontiers.

Game‑Changer for Persistent Surveillance

Unlike conventional drones that require frequent refuelling or battery replacement, solar drones operate entirely on solar energy, enabling them to stay aloft day and night for weeks—and potentially months—without landing. This capability makes them exceptionally effective for long‑term surveillance missions.

The drones have been developed under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme, reflecting the growing role of Indian startups in strengthening national security.

Strategic Advantage Across Borders

Capable of flying at altitudes ranging from 5 km to 20 km, these drones generate minimal noise and negligible thermal signatures, making them extremely difficult to detect by enemy radars. Their stealth characteristics allow the Army to deploy them seamlessly across diverse terrains—from the deserts of Rajasthan to the mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the Northeast.

Military experts believe the induction of these drones will significantly enhance the Army’s ability to monitor cross‑border infiltration, smuggling routes, hostile troop movements, and emerging threats in real time, particularly along the western, northern, and northeastern fronts.

Reduced Logistics, Greater Efficiency

Solar drones are lightweight and require minimal ground support, eliminating the need for large operational teams. Despite their advanced capabilities, they can be deployed and managed with limited manpower, making them a cost‑effective and efficient surveillance solution.

Beyond reconnaissance, these drones can also be used for signals intelligence, communication relay in remote areas, and monitoring regions where conventional communication infrastructure remains weak or unreliable.

A Step Towards Future Warfare

The Army’s move to acquire solar‑powered surveillance platforms underscores a broader shift towards technology‑driven, intelligence‑centric warfare, where persistent situational awareness plays a decisive role. Alongside the procurement of indigenous loitering munitions and advanced UAV systems, solar drones are expected to become a critical pillar of India’s future battlefield strategy.