Explained: What is AS-HAPS set to give IAF new ‘eyes in the sky’ as India mulls near-space platforms

The Rajnath Singh–chaired Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for an Air‑Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS‑HAPS) for the Indian Air Force as part of a broader set of capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹3.60 lakh crore. The MoD/official readout says AS‑HAPS is intended to boost persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability for the IAF, alongside other approvals such as MRFA and combat missiles. Watch to know more about High‑Altitude Pseudo‑Satellites.