Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd (ADSL), defence division of JCBL Group, successfully tested its indigenously developed 28 ft Heavy Air Drop System at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on February 17. The Army Airborne Training School (AATS) carried out the testing.

The 20T Heavy Air Drop System was designed and manufactured by JCBL with Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), a DRDO laboratory. Building on earlier controlled trials conducted using standard 12-24ft platforms and dummy loads, the latest testing marks a significant technological progression with the introduction of an advanced 28-ft platform & parachute configuration. Notably, this trial marked the first use in India of a 28-ft platform with a pack of two 28-ft extractor configuration and a 4-point link system for strategic payload deployment, representing a shift from earlier standard configurations to a more advanced heavy drop operational system.

Built to enable the aerial deployment of cargo and combat platforms, including BMP and other mechanized vehicles, the system is compatible with C-17 and C-130 aircraft, the backbone of India’s heavy-lift air logistics capability. It facilitates the controlled extraction and safe landing of heavy equipment across diverse terrain, from high-altitude zones to remote, otherwise inaccessible areas. Unlike earlier trials using dummy loads, this test involved deployment of an actual nearly 15-ton BMP Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) under near-realistic conditions, enabled by a twin 28-ft extractor configuration designed for heavier strategic loads. This capability enables the rapid deployment of heavy combat platforms into operationally critical zones where ground mobility is limited.

This also demonstrated enhanced cross-platform deployment capability, enabling the aerial delivery of combat platforms across different aircraft classes. The ability to air-drop mechanised combat platforms gives the armed forces a genuine edge in readiness and ensures heavy equipment can reach forward areas quickly.

Reflecting on the milestone, managing director, JCBL Group, Rishi Aggarwal said, “The successful validation of this system is a proud milestone under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and a true reflection of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Contributing to the strength of the armed forces through a completely indigenous system is a matter of immense pride for the Group, and we are grateful for DRDO’s continued trust and support.”

Director & CEO, JCBL, Raj Kumar Pandey further emphasized that “every element of the system, from the platform to the extractor, main parachute systems, and all associated subsystems, has been designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in India.”

With the Heavy Drop System now officially deployed with the Indian Army for the first time, this achievement cements JCBL’s position as the only Indian company to have indigenized this technology in partnership with DRDO, and advanced it into a strategic payload-ready platform configuration through progressive system enhancements.