---
title: "TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom) UAV: DRDO's MALE Drone"
description: "TAPAS-BH-201 is DRDO's medium-altitude long-endurance UAV (formerly Rustom-II) built for ISR. See its specs, programme status, and why it matters for UPSC GS3."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/tapas-bh-201-uav"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- TAPAS-BH-201 is an indigenous Indian medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by DRDO for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
- Why was the Rustom-II renamed TAPAS-BH-201?
- Is the TAPAS-BH-201 an armed drone?
- How does the TAPAS-BH-201 differ from the MQ-9B drones India is acquiring?
- What has been the main technical obstacle in the TAPAS programme?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

TAPAS-BH-201 is an indigenous Indian medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by DRDO for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Go beyond the definition

## Research TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom) UAV like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom) UAV

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom) UAV](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20TAPAS-BH-201%20\(Rustom\)%20UAV%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In June 2023, DRDO demonstrated beyond-line-of-sight control of the TAPAS-BH-201 from the Aeronautical Test Range at Chitradurga, Karnataka, validating the platform's satellite-relayed command capability for ISR missions.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom) UAV beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.