The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) for the P-7 Parachute System was officially handed over to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) during a ceremony held at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on November 11, 2024. The event was presided over by Dr. Samir V Kamat, who serves as the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The P-7 Parachute System, a product of the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, has been specifically designed to enable the rapid and secure delivery of heavy payloads, addressing the operational demands of the Indian Armed Forces. This advanced parachute system has been manufactured by Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory) located in Kanpur. Notably, the P-7 system can effectively airdrop loads weighing up to 9.5 tons from IL-76 aircraft at altitudes of approximately four kilometers, making it a significant asset for military logistics.
The P-7 system significantly enhances the Indian Army’s operational capabilities, allowing for the expedited deployment of essential equipment such as Light Field Guns and Jeeps into border regions and areas with high conflict potential. This capability is crucial for improving the mobility and readiness of Army units deployed in critical scenarios.
Following the successful completion of the General Staff Evaluation, the P-7 system has been formally inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, marking its vital role in enhancing defense operational readiness. The Indian Army has also placed an order with Gliders India Limited (OPF) for 146 units of the P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System, indicating a strong commitment to incorporating this advanced technology into its operational framework.
