On December 1, 2025, DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of an indigenous fighter aircraft escape system at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory’s Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh, achieving a controlled velocity of 800 km/h. The trial, involving the Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Agency, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and full aircrew recovery using an instrumented dummy on the LCA Tejas forebody, marking a breakthrough in pilot safety under extreme combat conditions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed it as a self-reliance milestone, while DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat praised the team. From an Indian strategic perspective, this elevates IAF operational resilience amid border tensions, reducing import dependence and positioning India among elite nations with advanced in-house testing for next-gen fighters.