India conducts first trial flight of stratospheric airship platform

India's DRDO achieved a milestone with the successful maiden flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform in Madhya Pradesh. The high-altitude airship, developed by ADRDE, ascended to 17 kilometers, transmitting sensor data for future improvements. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, emphasising its potential to enhance India's earth observation, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities.