 "A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India currently uses the Akash Air defence system, SPYDER air defence system, Barak-8 MK-SAM, Igla-S, 9K33 Osa AK, 2K12 Kub and QRSAM. AFP")
The Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.
The trial marked a major boost to indigenous safety technology for fighter jets, demonstrating that the pilot-ejection mechanism works accurately and safely under extreme conditions.
The test was carried out at a controlled speed of 800 km/h at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, the ministry said in a social media post that included a video.
The footage shows the staged trial in which the system propelled a dummy pilot clear of the cockpit, demonstrating how the mechanism ensures safe ejection in a life-threatening situation.
According to the defence ministry, the test validated three key elements of a modern escape system — canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, ADA, HAL and industry partners on the achievement, calling it a significant milestone that strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities and supports the wider push for self-reliance, the ministry said.
The milestone comes as India continues to highlight its progress in developing homegrown defence technologies.
In August, DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat said that Operation Sindoor, carried out in May, had demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous military systems during a complex multi-domain mission along the western borders.
Speaking at the convocation of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Kamat said the operation reflected not only the bravery of Indian soldiers but also the strength of the technological ecosystem behind them. “I can say with pride that Operation Sindoor’s success was powered by homegrown systems such as Akash short- and medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the D4 anti-drone system, airborne early warning and control platforms, the Akashteer air defence control system, and advanced C4I systems,” he said.
Kamat added that institutes like DIAT were central to developing these capabilities, underscoring the momentum behind India’s defence-modernisation efforts.