In a significant advancement for military logistics, the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) for the P-7 Parachute System has been officially transferred from the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). This transition was marked by a formal ceremony at DRDO Bhawan, where Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), presented the AHSP.
The P-7 Parachute System represents a crucial development in aerial delivery capabilities, having been developed and qualified by ADRDE, a respected DRDO laboratory located in Agra. The system has been manufactured by Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory) in Kanpur, ensuring domestic production of this vital military asset.
With a remarkable capacity to safely deploy payloads weighing up to 9.5 tons from an IL-76 aircraft at altitudes of up to four kilometers, the P-7 parachute system is poised to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. The Army intends to utilize this system for the rapid deployment of crucial equipment such as the Light Field Gun and Jeeps, particularly in border and conflict zones where swift logistical support is imperative.
The successful completion of General Staff Evaluations has led to an initial order of 146 P-7 parachute systems being placed with Gliders India Limited in Kanpur. Following this approval, the system has been formally inducted into service, representing a notable enhancement in the Indian military’s aerial delivery capability.
The transition of the AHSP to the DGQA marks a pivotal moment in ensuring that the P-7 Parachute System maintains the highest standards of quality and performance as it becomes an integral part of the Indian Army’s operational toolkit. This development underscores the ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Defence to equip the armed forces with advanced technologies and systems that bolster their readiness and effectiveness in various operational scenarios.