India’s defense manufacturing sector has marked a significant advancement on the international stage with the unveiling of an indigenously developed brake parachute for the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. This milestone was showcased by Kanpur-based Gliders India Limited during the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing its technological capabilities and competitiveness in the global defense export market.
The newly introduced brake parachute is designed to effectively shorten the landing run of the MiG-29, thereby enhancing pilot safety and improving aircraft handling during touchdown. Its unicross-canopy system provides superior deceleration, a feature particularly beneficial for operations conducted on short or semi-prepared runways that are often encountered in active deployment zones.
One of the standout features of the indigenous brake parachute is its lighter design compared to the traditional Russian-made variants currently used on MiG-29 aircraft. This reduced weight not only enhances overall aircraft performance but also simplifies installation processes, potentially lowering long-term maintenance requirements for operators.
Furthermore, Gliders India Limited has bolstered its operational capabilities with a more efficient supply chain. Unlike the lengthy delivery timelines associated with Russian-origin systems, the indigenous manufacturer promises the delivery of spare canopies within months, ensuring a higher operational availability for MiG-29 fleets.
The Egyptian Air Force, a significant operator of the MiG-29 aircraft, is considered a prime prospective customer for this innovative brake parachute. The introduction of this modern upgrade is poised to provide Egypt with improved landing safety and the potential for reduced maintenance cycles, marking a strategic advantage for its military aviation operations.
Gliders India’s participation in EDEX 2025 forms a critical part of India’s overarching strategy to expand defense exports and showcase its indigenous products on prominent international platforms. This exposure not only enhances the visibility of Gliders India but also highlights the maturation of India’s aerospace ecosystem, capable of producing precise and reliable components for advanced fighter aircraft.
The launch of the indigenous MiG-29 brake parachute underscores the substantial progress in India’s engineering capabilities while reinforcing the nation’s role as a supplier of crucial aviation safety equipment to global defense markets. With potential export orders, beginning with Egypt, this development could pave the way for broader adoption of Indian technology across nations reliant on Russian-origin fighter platforms.
