India has taken a major step forward in fighter aircraft safety after the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested an indigenous pilot ejection system under extreme conditions.
The high-speed trial was conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh, where the system was tested at a controlled speed of 800 km per hour. The test demonstrated the ability of the escape mechanism to safely eject a pilot from a fighter jet during a critical in-flight emergency.
During the trial, a dummy representing the pilot was forcefully propelled out of the cockpit after the canopy was severed, clearly showcasing how the system operates during a life-threatening scenario. The test confirmed that all stages of the ejection process worked as intended.
The successful run validated three key elements required in a modern aircraft escape system: precise canopy cutting, correct sequencing of the ejection process, and safe recovery of the aircrew after ejection. Officials described the outcome as a significant milestone in ensuring pilot safety in indigenous fighter aircraft.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, congratulating the DRDO, Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and industry partners involved in the project. He said the accomplishment strengthens India&rsquo;s defence manufacturing ecosystem and supports the country&rsquo;s goal of self-reliance in critical military technologies.
The test comes amid a broader push to highlight India&rsquo;s growing indigenous defence capabilities. DRDO leadership has previously underlined that recent military operations have demonstrated the effectiveness of homegrown systems across multiple domains, ranging from air defence to missile technology and advanced command-and-control platforms.
The successful ejection system test adds to the momentum of India&rsquo;s ongoing defence modernisation drive, reinforcing confidence in domestically developed technologies designed to protect both pilots and platforms.

DRDO clears high-speed fighter ejection test

Indigenous pilot escape system proven at 800 km/h rocket sled trial in Chandigarh

DRDO clears high-speed fighter ejection test

Indigenous pilot escape system proven at 800 km/h rocket sled trial in Chandigarh

December 2, 2025 | 20:42 IST