Technology

Now the border will be guarded with the power of the sun! Indian Army will get a new solar powered spy drone

By Samira Vishwas

Solar Energy Surveillance Drone: India has taken another decisive leap in the field of pilotless defense technology. The Indian Army is soon going to include the country’s first solar energy-powered spy drone in its fleet. For this, the Army has signed a big contract worth about Rs 168 crore. This state-of-the-art surveillance system has been developed by Bengaluru-based company New Space Research and Technologies, which has been prepared under the iDEX Innovation Program of the Defense Ministry.

What is MAPSS system, which will change the way of monitoring?

This solar drone system has been named Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS). Its biggest feature is that it flies on solar power, due to which it can remain in the air without stopping, not for hours but for a long time. The drones used by the army till now were based on batteries or fuel, which had limited flight duration. MAPSS effectively addresses this major shortcoming.

24’7 watch on the borders

The Indian Army will use this solar drone in intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Be it the snowy mountain ranges of the North or the inaccessible desert areas of the West, MAPSS can monitor a single area for long periods of time. This will make it possible to continuously and reliably monitor every small and big activity taking place on the border.

Less noise, less heat and more privacy

According to defense officials, this drone runs on electric power, so its noise is very low and it produces very little heat. For this reason it becomes very difficult for the enemy to identify and track it. Along with this, it will also play an important role in communication support in remote areas and target identification during operations.

The power of technology is already proven

The technological foundation of MAPSS is based on high-altitude solar drone projects previously developed by New Space. The company has tested a platform that can remain in the air for more than 24 hours at an altitude of more than 26,000 feet. These tests were conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range located at Chitradurga. Army-ready MAPSS is tailored for medium altitude operations and has been successfully tested in field conditions.

Big strategy to increase drone power

This deal is part of the Indian Army’s broader strategy under which drone capabilities are being rapidly strengthened. After Operation Sindoor, the Army has purchased several unmanned systems including loitering munitions and surveillance drones, the total cost of which is said to be more than Rs 5,000 crore. More approvals are expected in the coming time, while preparations are also underway for a major drone procurement program in 2026.

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Indigenous startups got a big opportunity

This agreement is a clear indication that Indian startups are now playing an important role in the defense sector. Through programs like iDEX, the government is giving opportunities to new companies to develop technology according to the needs of the army. This is a big achievement for New Space, while the Army has got modern equipment completely based on indigenous technology.

India ready for future war

Drones and unmanned systems are playing a decisive role in modern warfare. In such a situation, by adopting solar-powered surveillance drones, India has made it clear that it is focusing on long flight capability, low cost and indigenous innovation. This technology will not only strengthen border security but will also make India more capable for future challenges.

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