DRDO pulls off high-speed rocket sled test for fighter jet escape system

Technology Dec 05, 2025

DRDO just pulled off a successful high-speed rocket sled test for a fighter jet ejection system at its Chandigarh lab.
This means India now joins the club of countries that can handle these advanced safety tests in-house—pretty big news for homegrown defense tech.

Why this matters

Working with Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL, DRDO used a dual-sled setup to mimic real flight at 800km/h, using the front section of an Indian Light Combat Aircraft.
This new facility lets India design and upgrade pilot escape systems faster and cheaper, without relying on foreign labs.
It also helps collect crucial safety data—in a previous test, it supported parachute tests for the Gaganyaan space mission.