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Indian Army Successfully Tests Indigenous 20-Ton Heavy Drop System Under Make in India
Indian Army Tests Indigenous Heavy Drop System: The Indian Army has successfully tested an indigenous 28-foot heavy drop system for safely airdropping heavy military vehicles up to 20 tons. The test took place at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. An armored vehicle was airdropped under realistic conditions.
The Indian Army has successfully tested a new technology in the country that enables the transportation of heavy military equipment to the most inaccessible areas. The technology, known as the Advanced 28-foot Heavy Drop System – 20T (Type V), was recently tested on February 17, 2026, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in the state of Rajasthan. The technology, developed by Airbornetics Defence and Space in association with the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, a unit of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is considered a significant move towards the indigenization of the manufacturing of defense equipment in the country under the “Make in India” initiative.
This heavy drop system is intended for the safe landing of heavy military vehicles or equipment from a large aircraft. It can handle up to 20 tons at a time. It can operate with large cargo aircraft like the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. It features a special 28-foot platform and parachute system. Using two large extractor parachutes and a four-point link system, the heavy equipment is first ejected from the aircraft and then lowered slowly and smoothly to the ground. Simply put, this technology helps deliver heavy military equipment safely and in a controlled manner from the air.
This time, instead of just a demo, a real armored vehicle weighing approximately 15 tons was airdropped. A BMP (Armored Personnel Carrier) was used for this test. The test was conducted in an environment that closely resembles real military conditions. The heavy vehicle was lowered safely and securely to the ground using the Twin Extractor System.
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This system allows the Army to transport heavy military vehicles to mountainous and remote areas, where road access is difficult or time-consuming. This technology will:
- Enable troops and vehicles to be deployed quickly in difficult terrain.
- Enable the Army to respond quickly in emergencies.
- Enable heavy combat vehicles to be unloaded from various types of large transport aircraft.
- Overall, this test is considered a major step towards enhancing the Army's strength and strengthening indigenous defense technology in the country.
