India’s defence manufacturing capabilities received a notable push on the global stage as Kanpur-based Gliders India Limited unveiled its indigenously developed brake parachute for the MiG-29 fighter aircraft at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025.
The new brake chute, showcased internationally for the first time, marks a significant advancement in India’s aeronautical parachute technology and reflects the country’s growing readiness to compete in the global defence export market.
Designed to shorten the MiG-29’s landing run, the parachute enhances pilot safety and improves aircraft handling during touchdown. The unicross-canopy system provides improved deceleration, proving especially useful for operations on short or semi-prepared runways—conditions frequently faced in active deployment zones.
A key highlight of the indigenous system is its lighter design compared to traditional Russian-made brake parachutes used on MiG-29s. The reduced weight contributes to better aircraft performance while maintaining effective braking capability. It also offers ease of installation and could lower long-term maintenance requirements.
Gliders India Limited has further strengthened its pitch with a faster, more dependable supply chain. Unlike Russian-origin systems that often involve long lead times, the Indian manufacturer can deliver spare canopies within months, ensuring higher operational availability for MiG-29 fleets.
The Egyptian Air Force, a major operator of MiG-29 aircraft, is seen as a primary prospective customer for the new brake parachute. With a sizeable fleet, Egypt stands to benefit from enhanced landing safety and shorter maintenance cycles through this modern Indian upgrade.
Participation in EDEX 2025 forms part of India’s broader push to expand defence exports and showcase indigenous products on major international platforms. The display has boosted Gliders India’s visibility and underscored the maturity of India’s aerospace ecosystem, capable of producing precise and reliable fighter aircraft ancillaries.
The indigenous MiG-29 brake parachute not only highlights India’s engineering progress but also strengthens the country’s position in delivering critical aviation safety equipment to global defence customers. Potential export orders—starting with Egypt—could open doors for wider adoption across nations operating Russian-origin fighter platforms.
