Mission Surya – Day 29: India’s Defence Preparedness and Drone Technology
Important defence developments including Stratospheric Airship Platform, Project Kusha missile system and India’s growing drone ecosystem.
15 March 2026
Rising global conflicts have increased the importance of advanced surveillance systems, missile defence and drone technology. India is strengthening its defence capabilities through indigenous programmes.
Core Concepts
Stratospheric Airship Platform is a high-altitude pseudo-satellite operating at 17–22 km altitude.
Developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment.
Project Kusha aims to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system.
Anant Shastra is an indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile system.
Drone warfare has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile systems.
Major Indian Drone Programmes
• TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom-II) – MALE surveillance drone developed by DRDO.
• Archer UAV – tactical surveillance drone.
• Ghatak UCAV – stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
• Netra UAV – used for counter-terrorism and disaster management.
• SWITCH UAV – surveillance drone used by the Indian Army.
Quick Revision for Prelims
- • Stratospheric Airship Platform is a high-altitude pseudo-satellite operating at 17–22 km altitude.
- • Developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment.
- • Project Kusha aims to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system.