India Seeks Local Firms for Rs 15,000 Cr Stratospheric Airship Programme

India's defence ministry is looking for domestic companies to develop airship-based pseudo satellites under a project valued at Rs 15,000 crore. These high-altitude platforms are designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Operating in the stratosphere, the airships would serve as a cost-effective alternative to conventional satellites while filling capability gaps between drones and satellites. The Indian Air Force is actively collaborating with local aerospace firms to advance the initiative.