In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The high-speed rocket-sled test of the fighter aircraft escape system was conducted at a precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
The test validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery, the ministry noted.
The ministry also shared a video of the test, which shows a cockpit-like module coming down the rail track at a very high velocity. As it reaches its designated point, the dummy pilot is blasted upward with a rocket-assisted seat, successfully ejecting the cockpit in just a few seconds.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO, IAF, ADA, and HAL on the success of the fighter aircraft escape system test. “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and industry on the 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,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Watch the video below:
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h- validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew-recovery at Rail… pic.x.com/G19PJOV6yD
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 2, 2025