Field of research | Aerial Delivery Systems |
|---|---|
| Director | Dr Manoj Kumar |
| Location | Agra,Uttar Pradesh |
Operating agency | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
TheAerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) is a laboratory of the IndianDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is located inAgra,Uttar Pradesh in India. Its research scope includes development of systems for dropping heavy loads,brake parachutes, towed targets, aircraft arrester barriers andaerostats.[1]
Significant projects undertaken by ADRDE during the last two decades include:
The projects enter the production atOrdnance Factory Kanpur.ADRDE was involved in the design and development of a recovery parachute for theNishant Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.[2] The organisation developed brake parachutes forLCA Tejas[3] and parachutes for the space capsule ofRe-entry experiment SRE-1 byISRO.[4] Akashdeep, a 2000 cu. m aerostat, was successfully test-flown with actual and dummy payloads.
ADRDE developed the Controlled Aerial Delivery System to deliver payloads throughram-air parachutes at designated coordinates via an on-board electronics unit. This accomplishment is considered one of the unit's major achievements.
The ADRDE conducted the maiden flight trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform fromSheopur Trial site,Madhya Pradesh on 3 May 2025. It carried instrumental payloads to an altitude of around 17 km (56,000 ft) during the 62-minute long trial.[5] The system will be used for roles includingIntelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance,ELINT,telecommunication andremote sensing by theIndian Air Force. The procurement of Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) was granted the Acceptance of Necessity by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under theIndian defence ministry on 12 February 2025.[6][7]
ADRDE on 18 December 2021, successfully completed demonstration flight of controlled aerial delivery system from Antonov An-32 that can deliver 500 kg payload with an accuracy of less 100 mCEP within the targeted area using high performanceRam-air parachute. The system utilizesGPS andNavIC forsatellite guidance,attitude and heading reference system and an onboard computing system that helps in autonomous trajectory correction using waypoint navigation. CADS-500 can be dropped from 7,600 mabove mean sea level and can cover a distance of 30 km.[8][9]
Developed in-house by ADRDE in partnership with theDefence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, MCPS has successfully completed amilitary free-fall from 32,000 feet (9,800 m) on October 2025. The test jumpers fromIndian Air Force performed the jump, demonstrating its effectiveness, dependability, and sophisticated design. As of now, it is the only parachute system in theIndian Armed Forces that can be deployed above 25,000 feet (7,600 m). With the help of MCPS's enhanced steering capabilities and reduced rate of fall, paratroopers can safely exit airplanes, drop parachutes at pre-established altitudes, navigate precisely, and land in approved zones. The system is not vulnerable to interference or denial of service from foreign entities or countries, and it is compatible withNavIC for guidance, which offers freedom of usage against any adversary. Compared to imports, it offers the shortest turnaround time for routine maintenance and repairs.[10][11]
To meet the vital tactical needs of airborne forces, the MCPS enablesHigh Altitude High Opening (HAHO), High Altitude Medium Opening (HAMO), andHigh Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps. A complete combat load, including guns,ammunition, and a survival pack, can be carried by the system. The MCPS was certified by theCentre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and completed more than 350 trials with theParatrooper Training School before being put into service in 2023. MCPS improves operational preparedness by enabling the quick and accurate deployment ofspecial forces into challenging or dangerous terrain.[12]
Defence Research and Development Organisation Laboratories | |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Systems | |
| Armament & Combat Engineering Systems | |
| Electronics and Communication Systems | |
| Life Sciences | |
| Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems | |
| Missiles and Strategic Systems | |
| Naval Systems and Materials | |
| Human Resources | |
| System Analysis & Modelling | |
| Corporate Directorates | |
| Research Boards | |
| DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories | |
| Other Related Body/Institute | |
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