Ladakh, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : Indian soldiers have successfully tested an indigenous parachute at an altitude of 16,000 feet over the challenging terrain of Ladakh. This achievement was made possible by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has developed an advanced high-altitude parachute. The test jump took place at the Mud Drop Zone in Nyoma, one of the highest parachute drop zones in the country.
During the jump, the parachute was deployed at approximately 15,500 feet, allowing the soldier to safely land at an altitude of 13,700 feet. This successful leap demonstrates that the indigenous parachute can effectively address the challenges of deploying troops in high-altitude areas.
Designed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra, the parachute features a unique design that enables the simultaneous deployment of multiple paratroopers using a stable line.
Notably, the parachute can be utilized at heights of up to 18,000 feet and incorporates various deployment methods to ensure a safe descent speed. Jumping from such high altitudes is not akin to standard parachuting; the sudden jolt upon deployment and descent speed can pose significant risks to soldiers. Additionally, the weather and environmental conditions at extreme heights present their own challenges, making this test a rigorous assessment of the parachute’s capabilities.
The successful trial has validated the parachute’s effectiveness and strategic utility. The parachute was manufactured by the ordnance parachute factory in Kanpur, with quality checks conducted by the Directorate of Aeronautical Quality Assurance and certification from the Aviation Quality Assurance Center in Kanpur. This process highlights the country’s self-reliance in defense technology.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, and the defense public sector units on this milestone, calling it a significant step towards self-reliant India. Rajesh Kumar Singh, the defense secretary and DRDO chairman, also praised the team responsible for developing this system.
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