DRDO Rocket Sled Test: A major achievement by DRDO! DRDO's fighter jet escape system test successful

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has achieved another significant milestone in the field of defence technology. On December 2, 2025, in Chandigarh, the indigenous ejection seat developed for fighter aircraft was successfully tested. Until now, only select countries like the United States, Russia, and France had the capability to develop such advanced technology seats. With this achievement, India has now secured a place in the list of those select countries.​

DRDO's Chandigarh-based Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) achieved a major success by testing an indigenous escape system at a speed of 800 km per hour. This test was recorded with the help of airborne and ground-based imaging systems. Officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, and the certification agency observed the test in person.​

This success will greatly enhance the safety of Indian Air Force pilots. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, ADA, HAL, and related industries, calling it an important milestone towards India's self-reliance. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the entire team and stated that this achievement is significant for the Tejas fighter aircraft and the upcoming AMCA project.

The following key components were validated in this test-

Canopy severance

Ejection sequencing

Aircrew recovery system

• The test was conducted on the rocket sled track at TBRL, Chandigarh.

• Officials from the Indian Air Force, ADA, and HAL were physically present to observe.

• This success proved to be an important milestone for Indian fighter aircraft projects like Tejas and AMCA.