DRDO successfully conducted a rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft's escape system at a speed of 800 km/h from TBRL, Chandigarh. This test was conducted with the aim of saving the lives of pilots and aircrew, who are the last hope in such accidents. This test is considered a major achievement for DRDO.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has once again created history by successfully conducting a rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft's escape system at a precisely controlled speed of 800 km/h from the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh. Its main objective is to save the lives of the pilot and the entire aircrew.

It should be noted that recently, the pilot of India's indigenous fighter jet Tejas crashed in Dubai, killing the pilot. In such accidents, the 'escape system' is the last hope for saving the pilot's life. This system safely ejects the pilot from a dangerous situation within seconds. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated on this success.

Raksha Mantri, Shri @rajnathsingh has complimented DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL and industry on successful conduct of High-Speed Rocket Sled Test of Fighter Aircraft Escape System and described it as a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capability towards self-reliance. https://t.co/hNddBxM2Yt

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 2, 2025

India joins the elite club of countries like US-China

Commenting on the test, conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), DRDO stated that India has joined the elite club of countries with advanced in-house escape system testing capabilities. This is considered a major achievement for DRDO as well as India.

How the test was conducted

In this test, the front of the fighter jet was propelled to speeds of up to 800 kilometers per hour using powerful rocket motors. During this test, the canopy separation and ejection of the pilot seat were completely successful. The entire system was 100% successful in safely ejecting the dummy pilot from the aircraft.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, ADA, HAL and industry partners, calling the test a significant milestone in India's indigenous defence capability and a step towards self-reliance. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, also congratulated the team for this successful demonstration.

 PC:NBT