Taking a technological leap, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring a hydrogen-powered, autonomous airship capable of long-endurance missions for persistent surveillance.The IAF has invited bids from Indian companies to indigenously design, develop and manufacture a platform that can operate at altitudes of around 30,000 feet and carry payloads of up to 5,000 kg. Multiple bidders will be shortlisted, with one final partner selected for production.While foreign collaboration is permitted, the project mandates a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content. Indian vendors have been asked to submit proposals by April 30.The platform, termed a “Medium Altitude Heavy Lift Airship”, will be unmanned. The IAF aims to partner with domestic defence industry players to execute the project.The airship is expected to be hydrogen-powered and used for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, while also providing communication capabilities similar to airborne radar and electronic warfare platforms.It is required to carry specialised payloads and function as a launch platform for missiles and drones during flight.The IAF has highlighted hydrogen as a preferred fuel due to its lighter-than-air properties, availability, non-toxic nature and clean emissions, producing only water vapour.The service is also looking at hybrid propulsion systems —combining hydrogen fuel with solar power, batteries or fuel cells — to enable an endurance of at least 10 days. The platform should be capable of autonomous launch and recovery from both prepared and unprepared surfaces.Additionally, the airship must support line-of-sight communication of at least 250 km or operate via satellite links.The IAF has not specified the number of platforms it plans to procure. However, bidders are required to demonstrate strong financial and technical capabilities, along with manufacturing infrastructure, in-house design expertise and project management capacity.