The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the first live jump of its Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma (Mudh Drop Zone) in Ladakh, one of the highest-altitude drop zones in the country.
The trial confirms that this indigenous system can support mass para-drops in India's toughest mountain terrain.
Key Details of the AHAP Live Jump
The jump was executed from 16,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The parachute deployed at 15,500 feet AMSL, and the landing took place at Nyoma (Mudh DZ), which sits at 13,700 feet. Nyoma is a high-altitude military drop zone and a newly upgraded Air Force station in the Leh/Changthang region of Ladakh.
According to DRDO, the jump proved the efficacy and tactical employability of AHAP at extremely high altitudes.
What Is the Advanced High-Altitude Parachute?
AHAP is a static line parachute system designed for the mass drop of paratroopers. It offers multiple deployment modes, a wide operational altitude range of up to 18,000 feet, and the safest rate of descent suited to the tactical needs of the Indian Defence Forces in high-altitude areas.
Static line jumps at these heights are complex and risky because of the very high opening shock and rate of descent, which makes this successful trial a notable capability milestone.
AHAP at a Glance
Detail | Information |
Designed and developed by | ADRDE, Agra |
Manufactured by | Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF), Kanpur |
Inspected by | DGAQA |
Certified by | CEMILAC, RCMA Kanpur |
Jump altitude | 16,000 ft AMSL |
Deployment altitude | 15,500 ft AMSL |
Landing zone | Nyoma (Mudh DZ), 13,700 ft |
Maximum operational altitude | 18,000 ft |
Leadership Reactions
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, the Defence Forces, DPSUs and industry on the maiden live jump and called it another big step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the team behind the system's design and development.
Why Does It Matters for Defence Aspirants?
Indigenous defence technology is a regular theme in the General Awareness sections of NDA, CDS and AFCAT. Facts such as the developing lab (ADRDE Agra), the manufacturer (OPF Kanpur), the drop zone and the altitude figures are exactly the kind of details that appear as direct questions.
For more defence current affairs and exam-focused preparation for NDA, CDS and AFCAT, stay connected with Major Kalshi Classes (MKC), where every key update is broken down for aspirants.
