AHAP successfully deployed at 15,500 feet during a live jump from 16,000 feet; system designed for mass deployment of paratroopers in extreme high-altitude terrain
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden live jump of the indigenous Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma (Mudh Drop Zone) in Ladakh, one of the highest-altitude drop zones.
The live jump was carried out from an altitude of 16,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The AHAP parachute was deployed at 15,500 feet AMSL, while the landing was undertaken at Nyoma (Mudh DZ), located at 13,700 feet. The successful trial demonstrated the efficacy and tactical employability of the AHAP system in extremely high-altitude terrain.
Indigenous parachute system for high-altitude operations
The Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) has been designed and developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, a DRDO laboratory specialising in aerial delivery systems.
AHAP is a static-line parachute system designed for the mass drop of paratroopers. The system has been manufactured by the Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF), Kanpur, inspected by the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) and certified by CEMILAC, RCMA Kanpur.
The indigenous system offers multiple deployment modes and has a wide operational altitude envelope extending up to 18,000 feet. It has also been designed to provide a safe rate of descent, making it particularly suited to the tactical requirements of the Indian Defence Forces operating in high-altitude environments.
Major capability for high-altitude military operations
Static-line parachute operations at extreme altitudes are technically challenging and inherently risky because of factors such as very high opening shock and increased rate of descent. The successful live jump at Nyoma therefore represents an important validation of the AHAP’s capability under demanding operational conditions.
The capability is particularly significant for India’s defence forces given the country’s challenging mountainous terrain and the operational requirement for rapid induction and deployment of troops in high-altitude areas.
The successful demonstration also marks another step towards strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in specialised aerial delivery and airborne military systems, reducing dependence on imported equipment and supporting the broader objective of self-reliance in defence technology.
Rajnath Singh hails achievement
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Defence Forces, DPSUs and industry on the successful maiden live jump of the indigenous AHAP parachute system. He described the achievement as another major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated all team members associated with the design and development of the system.
The successful Nyoma trial demonstrates India’s growing ability to design, develop, manufacture and operationally validate specialised defence systems for some of the world’s most demanding terrains, strengthening the technological preparedness of the Indian Defence Forces.