DRDO unveils indigenous surveillance aerostat system

Once fully developed, the Rs 20-crore system would be capable of carrying out surveillance in the radius of 110 km at the height of one kilometre, DRDO's Aerial Delivery and Research Development Organisation Director Balraj Gupta said here.

Today's demonstration of the Aerostat systems was done with its communication intelligence and electro optical sensors and the indigenous development of radars is also under progress, he said.

Senior DRDO Scientist Prahlada said the system would be useful for three services and paramilitary forces and will also have civilian applications including in disaster management.
The trials of the system comprising a helium filled balloon were carried out by keeping an eye on important installations in the city including the historic Taj Mahal during both day and night conditions, DRDO officials said.

The platform has been developed with a number of high end technologies in fields like aerodynamic design of balloon, fabrics and fabrication in partnership with the industry.

Officials said the cost of the system was one fourth of the similar equipment supplied by foreign companies and more than 90 per cent of the sensors in it were indigenous.
India relies on Israel for its present Aerostat systems which have been deployed along the frontiers to strengthen its air defence network.