India has taken a big step in defence technology as the Indian Army has signed a Rs 168 crore deal for a solar-powered spy drone. The Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies will supply this system under the Defence Ministry’s iDEX innovation programme.
The drone system is called the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS). This is the first time the Army will use a solar-powered surveillance drone. Until now, most unmanned aerial systems relied on batteries or fuel, which limited their flight time.
The Army will use MAPSS for intelligence and surveillance along sensitive border regions, from mountains in the north to desert areas in the west. Defence officials say the drone will help monitor troop movement, track border activity, support communication in remote locations, and assist in spotting targets during missions.
Since MAPSS runs on electric power, it makes less noise and heat compared to fuel-powered systems. This makes it harder to detect during operations.
NewSpace had earlier tested high-altitude solar drones that stayed in the air for over 24 hours at altitudes above 26,000 feet. Those trials took place at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga. The Army’s version has been modified for medium-altitude use and has already undergone operational trials.
This purchase is part of a larger push by the Army to increase unmanned capabilities. After Operation Sindoor, multiple drone systems, including loitering munitions and surveillance platforms, have been acquired, with deals worth more than Rs 5,000 crore.
More drone approvals are expected in 2026. MAPSS will work with existing long-endurance drones by covering lower-altitude surveillance gaps and providing long-duration observation without risking manned aircraft.
The deal also highlights the growing role of Indian startups in defence. Through programmes like iDEX, the government is encouraging innovation and indigenous technology development for the armed forces.
For NewSpace, this marks a major milestone. For the Army, it means a reliable, quieter, and longer-enduring surveillance tool designed in India. As modern warfare shifts towards unmanned systems, solar-powered platforms offer better endurance, lower operating costs, and stronger border security.
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