Published: 7 January 2026General
Indian Army Places ₹168 Crore Order for Solar-Powered MAPSS UAVs Under iDEX
The Indian Army placed a ₹168 crore order for solar-powered MAPSS (Medium Altitude Pseudo Satellite System) unmanned aerial vehicles under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme on January 8, 2026. The MAPSS UAVs are designed to operate at medium altitudes using solar energy, enabling extended endurance flights for surveillance and reconnaissance missions along India's borders.
The order was placed with an Indian startup that developed the MAPSS platform through iDEX's Defence India Startup Challenge. The solar-powered UAV can remain airborne for significantly longer durations compared to conventional battery or fuel-powered drones, making it ideal for persistent surveillance in remote border areas. The UAV system incorporates advanced sensors, communication relays, and autonomous navigation capabilities.
This procurement represents a significant milestone for the iDEX ecosystem, demonstrating the successful transition of defence innovations from prototype to production stage. The iDEX initiative, established under the Defence Innovation Organisation in 2018, has so far engaged over 400 startups and MSMEs in defence technology development. The programme provides grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for prototype development and facilitates procurement commitments from the armed forces. The MAPSS UAV order validates India's growing indigenous capability in unmanned systems, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing. The solar-powered design also aligns with India's commitment to sustainable military technologies.
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The Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) UAVs ordered by the Indian Army are notable for being:
Explanation · Correct answer BMAPSS UAVs feature solar-powered, electric propulsion, making them the first solar-powered UAVs to be deployed by the Indian Army. The ₹168 crore order was placed with NewSpace Research & Technologies under the iDEX initiative.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MAPSS UAV ordered by the Indian Army and what makes it unique?
The **MAPSS (Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System)** is a **solar-powered, electric propulsion UAV** ordered by the **Indian Army** from **NewSpace Research & Technologies** for **₹168 crore** on **January 8, 2026**. It marks the **first time the Indian Army will deploy solar-powered UAVs**. Developed under the **iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)** initiative, MAPSS is designed for **sustained medium-altitude surveillance operations**.
How much did the Indian Army spend on the MAPSS UAV order under iDEX and who is the manufacturer?
The **Indian Army** placed a **₹168 crore order** with **NewSpace Research & Technologies** for **MAPSS (Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System) UAVs** on **January 8, 2026**. MAPSS features **solar-powered electric propulsion** — the first solar-powered UAVs to be deployed by the Indian Army. It was developed under **iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)** under the **Ministry of Defence**. iDEX has now supported over **400 defence startups**.
What is the iDEX initiative and how many defence startups has it supported?
**iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)** is an initiative under the **Ministry of Defence** to foster innovation in the defence sector by supporting startups. As of January 2026, iDEX has supported over **400 defence startups** across India. The **MAPSS UAV** (solar-powered, ordered for **₹168 crore** on January 8, 2026 from **NewSpace Research & Technologies**) is one of iDEX's key outcomes, marking the **Indian Army's first solar-powered UAV deployment**.
Why is the Indian Army's MAPSS UAV procurement a milestone for India's defence indigenisation?
The **MAPSS UAV procurement** (₹168 crore, January 8, 2026, from **NewSpace Research & Technologies**) is a milestone for India's **defence indigenisation** because: it is the **first solar-powered UAV** deployed by the Indian Army, it was developed under **iDEX** (which has supported **400+ startups**), and it represents the Army's increasing reliance on **Indian startups** for cutting-edge military technology. MAPSS uses **solar-powered electric propulsion** for **sustained medium-altitude surveillance**.
What is the full form of MAPSS and what is it designed for in Indian Army operations?
**MAPSS** stands for **Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System** — a **solar-powered, electric propulsion UAV** designed for **sustained medium-altitude surveillance operations** in the **Indian Army**. Ordered for **₹168 crore** from **NewSpace Research & Technologies** on **January 8, 2026** under the **iDEX initiative (Ministry of Defence)**, it represents the first time solar-powered UAVs will be deployed by the Indian Army. iDEX has supported over **400 defence startups**.
