The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a high-speed rocket sled test of its indigenous fighter aircraft escape system. The test took place on Tuesday at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh. It confirmed that the canopy severance, ejection sequence, and complete aircrew recovery all worked perfectly. The test was done in partnership with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This achievement places India among the few nations with advanced systems to test dynamic aircraft ejection seats. Unlike simpler static tests, this trial involved launching a dual sled set up with a Light Combat Aircraft forebody at a controlled speed using multiple rocket motors. An instrumented test dummy recorded critical data such as loads and accelerations faced by the pilot during ejection. DRDO highlighted that dynamic ejection tests are very complex and provide a realistic measure of how well the escape system works in real life. The entire process was captured on video by onboard and ground cameras. The test was observed by senior officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the success and congratulated DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and industry partners. He called it a major step for India’s defence self-reliance. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also applauded the teams behind this success.