Indian Army Inducts First Solar-Powered MAPSS Drone for Persistent Surveillance

Indian Army Inducts Solar-Powered Surveillance Drone to Boost Persistent Border Watch

India has strengthened its unmanned defence capabilities with the Indian Army signing a ₹168 crore contract for a solar-powered surveillance drone system , marking the first induction of a solar-driven unmanned aerial platform into Army service. The move significantly enhances long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) along sensitive borders.

MAPSS: Concept and Strategic Utility

The system, titled Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) , has been developed by NewSpace Research & Technologies under the Ministry of Defence’s innovation ecosystem. Unlike conventional UAVs dependent on fuel or frequent battery swaps, MAPSS leverages solar energy , enabling extended on-station endurance —a decisive advantage for monitoring vast and remote frontier stretches.

Operational Edge and Mission Set

Designed for persistent ISR , MAPSS will support missions across diverse terrains—from high-altitude northern sectors to arid western deserts . Officials indicated that the platform will:

• Monitor cross-border movement and activities

• Provide real-time situational awareness

• Support communications relay in remote areas

• Aid target identification during operations

Its electric propulsion reduces acoustic and thermal signatures, lowering detectability and improving survivability during covert surveillance tasks.

Trials, Testing and Indigenous Build

MAPSS builds on NewSpace’s earlier high-altitude solar UAV programmes that demonstrated over 24 hours of endurance at altitudes beyond 26,000 feet during trials at the Aeronautical Test Range . The Army-configured MAPSS variant has been optimised for medium-altitude operations and has successfully completed operational environment trials , validating performance and reliability.

Scaling Unmanned Capabilities and Startup Participation

The MAPSS induction aligns with the Army’s broader effort to scale its unmanned inventory, with drone-related acquisitions exceeding ₹5,000 crore in recent years and additional approvals in the pipeline. The programme is supported under Innovations for Defence Excellence , underscoring the growing role of Indian startups in delivering mission-ready defence technologies and advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• MAPSS stands for Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System .

• It is India’s first solar-powered surveillance drone inducted by the Army.

• Developed under the iDEX innovation framework.

• Enables long-endurance ISR with reduced acoustic and thermal signatures.

• Supports persistent border surveillance across varied terrains.