Parachute Manufacturing in India: India has achieved a major milestone in its defense self-reliance journey, with the Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) in Kanpur producing parachutes for Tejas fighter pilots. This development reduces reliance on imported systems from Europe and the U.S., marking a significant step in enhancing domestic capabilities in critical defense equipment.
According to Financialexpress, these advanced parachutes are tailored for Tejas, capable of safely ejecting pilots at speeds up to 2205 km/h and altitudes of 50,000 feet.
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Designed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) and manufactured by OPF, the parachutes integrate seamlessly with Tejas’s ejection systems, ensuring pilot safety during high-speed missions. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to bolstering indigenous defense production.
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The new parachutes produced by OPF not only meet international quality standards but are also more cost-effective. While imported parachutes can cost several lakhs, those manufactured at OPF are priced at around 8 lakhs, nearly half the cost of foreign-made versions. Despite the lower price, they maintain the strength and reliability needed for pilot safety in critical situations.
OPF is the first factory in Asia to produce such high-quality, low-cost pilot parachutes for advanced fighter jets. Weighing around 8 kg and measuring approximately 12 meters in length, these parachutes are compatible with various aircraft, including Tejas, Sukhoi, Mirage, Jaguar, and MiG. Both pilot and brake parachutes are being manufactured for different models.
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In line with India’s focus on self-reliance and women’s empowerment, OPF has established a workshop dedicated to producing parachutes for Tejas, providing employment to 65 women. This initiative supports both the country’s defense manufacturing goals and its push for gender inclusion. This achievement plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign equipment.
