New Delhi, July 1 -- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Wednesday demonstrated an indigenously developed low-cost tactical aerostat built in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and a domestic startup.

IIT Delhi Professor Bhupen Singh Bhatola said the institute has developed an indigenous tactical aerostat capable of carrying surveillance and communication payloads at altitudes of up to 20 km, reducing reliance on imported systems.

Speaking to ANI, Bhatola said, "This is an Aerostat, a big lighter-than-air-filled balloon. This can be called a raised platform which can be taken to up to a height of 20 km. You can install a payload on it, like a camera or IR detectors or communication ...