IIT Delhi and DRDO develop indigenous tactical aerostat capable of 20 km altitude

Exam-focused facts from the 6 July 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and a domestic startup, has developed an indigenous low-cost tactical aerostat.
The tactical aerostat is capable of carrying surveillance and communication payloads at altitudes of up to 20 km.
The development of this system aims to reduce reliance on imported systems previously sourced from the United States.
The aerostat can remain airborne for a longer duration and carry heavier payloads compared to drones.
The technology supports logistics operations and possesses potential for future civilian applications.