India's Gliders India Ltd (GIL) has developed and inducted a lightweight Hybrid Brake Parachute for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS, enhancing landing safety during high-speed recoveries and emergencies. Weighing only 10 kg, it features a Uni-Cross main canopy (5.75 m span, 17 sq m area) with a multi-stage deployment using pilot and auxiliary chutes for reliable deceleration.

This system deploys at speeds up to 285 km/h normally and 340 km/h in emergencies, shortening landing runs on short or unprepared airfields. It reduces maintenance needs, speeds up turnaround times, and boosts pilot survivability in combat scenarios.

This system, developed in collaboration with the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), enhances landing safety during high-speed recoveries and emergency scenarios.

The lightweight parachute significantly reduces the aircraft's landing run, providing greater operational flexibility on short runways and advanced airfields.

The Hybrid Brake Parachute features a Uni-Cross main canopy with a span of 5.75 metres and a total area of 17 square metres, ensuring stable and efficient deceleration in challenging conditions.

Weighing only 10 kilograms, the system balances low mass with robust performance, making it ideal for frequent deployments in operational fighter missions.

It deploys effectively at speeds up to 285 kmph under normal circumstances and up to 340 kmph in emergencies, demonstrating exceptional durability.

A multi-stage deployment mechanism, incorporating pilot and auxiliary chutes, maximises reliability during critical moments, even under the stresses of rapid turnaround operations.

Defence officials emphasise that the parachute enhances mission readiness while adding a vital safety layer for pilots in demanding environments.

Its compact, high-performing design facilitates easier installation and handling, speeding up ground crew turnaround and minimising maintenance requirements.

This advancement reduces India's dependence on imported safety systems, bolstering indigenous manufacturing in line with national self-reliance goals.

The TEJAS program, as India's frontline multi-role fighter, benefits immensely from such upgrades, reinforcing confidence in home-grown defence technology.

Earlier efforts by DRDO sought private sector collaboration for hybrid brake parachute fabrication, underscoring a sustained push towards localisation.

Gliders India Ltd has prior experience with brake parachutes for platforms like the Su-30MKI, adapting expertise to TEJAS-specific requirements using nylon and Kevlar materials. The system's vetting by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) ensures compliance with rigorous military aviation standards.

For the Indian Air Force, operating over 120 TEJAS jets by recent projections, this induction marks progress in modernising air defence assets through innovation.

The Hybrid Brake Parachute supplements TEJAS's primary wheel braking, proving essential for operations on constrained runways typical in forward bases.

Its development aligns with broader "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, promoting local industry and reducing foreign supply chain vulnerabilities.

Future integration into TEJAS MK-1A variants will further enhance fleet capabilities amid ongoing production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This safety enhancement not only safeguards pilots but also elevates the TEJAS's operational envelope, supporting India's strategic aerospace ambitions.

Technical Specifications

ParameterDetails
Weight10 kg
Main CanopyUni-Cross, 5.75 m span, 17 sq m area
Deployment Speed285 km/h (normal), 340 km/h (emergency)
MechanismMulti-stage (pilot + auxiliary chutes)
PurposeHigh-speed landing deceleration, safety on short airfields

Strategic Significance

This indigenously produced system aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, cutting reliance on imported safety gear for TEJAS MK-1A/MK-2 fleets. It addresses recent concerns like the Dubai Air Show crash (November 2025) by improving operational flexibility for the IAF's frontline multirole fighter.

Defence officials note it enhances mission readiness and ground crew efficiency, supporting Tejas indigenisation amid GE engine delays pushing MK-1A deliveries to 2026. This bolsters IAF capabilities against regional threats from China and Pakistan.

As geopolitical tensions persist, such indigenous solutions strengthen the Indian Air Force's readiness and self-sufficiency in critical technologies.

Based On India Today Report