DRDO’s Latest Innovation: P-7 Parachute System to Revolutionise Military Logistics and Inspire Next-Gen Engineering Talent

The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) for the advanced P-7 Parachute System has been formally transferred to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of Agra, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The handover ceremony took place on November 11, 2024, at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi, where Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, presided over the event.

The P-7 Parachute System, which has been meticulously designed, developed, and validated by ADRDE, is set to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. Manufactured by Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory), Kanpur, the P-7 system enables safe airdropping of payloads up to 9.5 tons from IL-76 aircraft at altitudes reaching four kilometres. The parachute’s deployment mechanism and robust design ensure secure drops for heavy cargo, including essential military vehicles and artillery.

The newly inducted system addresses a critical need for rapid deployment of the Army’s Light Field Guns and transport Jeeps, facilitating faster mobilisation to border regions and conflict zones. With its operational efficiency validated through comprehensive trials, the P-7 Parachute System successfully passed the General Staff Evaluation, meeting stringent Army standards. This success has led to the Army placing an order for 146 units of the heavy-duty parachute system with Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory), Kanpur.

The transfer of AHSP to DGQA marks a pivotal milestone, as it signifies the completion of developmental phases and readiness for mass production and deployment. This move aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision, showcasing indigenous technological advancements in defence manufacturing. The P-7 Parachute System’s induction into the armed forces is expected to enhance India’s strategic positioning and logistical efficiency in sensitive regions, where swift response and deployment are imperative.

With ADRDE’s successful innovation and DRDO’s strategic leadership, India continues to strengthen its defence preparedness through home-grown solutions, reinforcing its commitment to both national security and indigenous technological progress.