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MAPSS UAV: Army’s First Solar-Powered Drone Order

12 January 20261 min read
DEFENCE & SECURITYMAPSS UAV:Army’s FirstSolar-PoweredDrone Order12 January 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Army ordered the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), a drone that recharges from sunlight, marking a first for the force.

Key facts

  • Order value: Rs 168 crore; vendor NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT).
  • First Army use of solar-powered UAVs.
  • Built under iDEX.
  • Solar recharging gives long-duration persistent flights for ISR missions.

Roles and strengths

AreaDetail
Operational rolesBorder and area surveillance, ELINT, communications relay, artillery spotting, network extension
AutonomyWorks where GNSS is denied; reduces logistics dependence and improves survivability in contested zones
StealthQuiet electric propulsion and low thermal signature cut the chance of enemy detection

Exam angle

  • Full form: Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System.
  • Framework: iDEX; theme: Atmanirbhar defence.
  • ELINT stands for Electronic Intelligence.

Test yourself

1. What is the order value of the Army's MAPSS UAV deal with NewSpace Research & Technologies?

The Army placed a Rs 168 crore order.

2. Under which framework was the solar-powered MAPSS UAV developed?

MAPSS was developed under the iDEX framework.

3. What makes the MAPSS UAV the first of its kind for the Indian Army?

It is the Army's first deployment of solar-powered UAVs.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 11 & 12 January 2026 (23 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJanuary 2026

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