The indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone known as TAPAS, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is poised to enter a significant phase of military trials this month, according to a recent Reuters report. This development comes shortly after the drone showcased its capabilities to a tri-services team in a demonstration held at the Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka’s Chitradurga.
Having successfully completed 200 flights, the TAPAS drone is now ready for user evaluation trials, marking a crucial step towards its potential integration into the Indian Armed Forces. These trials will enable thorough assessments of the drone’s performance, operational efficiency, and suitability for a range of defence applications in real-world scenarios.
One noteworthy accomplishment was the successful transfer of command and control capabilities of the TAPAS drone from a distant ground station to the INS Subhadra, an Indian Navy warship located 148 km away from the Karwar naval base. This test demonstrated the platform’s potential in enhancing naval operations and surveillance capabilities.
The TAPAS drone’s capabilities include operating at altitudes of up to 28,000 feet with an endurance exceeding 18 hours. However, further enhancements are being pursued to achieve the military’s goal of an operational altitude of 30,000 feet and a 24-hour flight time. Challenges in engine suitability were highlighted by Y Dilip, director of the state-run Aeronautical Development Establishment, who cited limitations in both domestic and international engine options.
The TAPAS drone made its public debut during Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, showcasing its potential as a solution to the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs of the tri-services. Notably, it possesses the capability to operate effectively in both day and night conditions, can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans, and offers precision and flexibility in its operations.
As the TAPAS drone enters its user evaluation trials, India’s defence community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of these assessments, which could mark a significant advancement in the country’s indigenous drone capabilities and contribute to its defence preparedness.
