In which state did DRDO successfully conduct the first flight test of its indigenous Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) on 3 May 2025?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
· DRDO successfully carried out the first flight test of its indigenous Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) on 3 May 2025 in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
· This platform is designed to operate in the stratosphere, approximately 20 km above Earth, for long-duration missions.
· SAP can be used for:
· Continuous surveillance
· Communication support
· Disaster monitoring
· High-altitude scientific experiments
· Operating at such altitudes allows broader coverage than UAVs and lower operational cost compared to satellites.
· The development marks a major boost for India’s aerospace and defence capabilities and aligns with self-reliance goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Information Booster:
· Stratospheric airships are often called High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS).
· They are solar powered and capable of staying aloft for weeks or months.
· They act as low-cost alternatives to satellites for communication and observation missions.
Additional Knowledge:
Odisha – Often used for missile tests (Wheeler Island). Rajasthan – Used for desert trials and IAF exercises. Gujarat – Hosts important DRDO laboratories but was not the SAP test site.