Correct option is D
The correct answer is: (D) TAPAS
Explanation:
- The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone discussed at the Drone Industry Conclave 2025 is named TAPAS, which stands for Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Information Booster:
- TAPAS is also referred to as TAPAS BH-201 and was earlier known as Rustom-II.
- It can operate at altitudes of around 30,000 feet with an endurance of 20–24 hours.
- It is capable of beyond-line-of-sight operations using satellite communication.
- The drone supports India’s vision for indigenization in defense technology.
- TAPAS is part of the efforts under “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in the defense sector.
Additional Information:
- VARUNA: India’s first human-carrying drone, not a MALE drone.
- NISAR: A joint NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite, not related to drones.
- RUSTOM: Early version of India’s drone program, evolved into TAPAS.