New Delhi: JCBL Group has received the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) for the Heavy Drop System – 20T (Type V) for C-130/C-17 aircraft from the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The LAToT was formally handed over during VIMARSH 2026 – DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi on September 15, 2026, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The 20T Heavy Drop System (Type V) has been developed in close collaboration with ADRDE, DRDO and is designed for safe aerial delivery of heavy military equipment and armoured vehicles, including platforms of maximum 20 tonnes, into remote and high-altitude operational areas.
Through its defence division Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), JCBL has successfully supported the development and fully absorbed the technology, establishing capability to manufacture the platform configuration at scale in India.
Critical elements of the system, including main parachutes, extractor systems and drop platforms, have been indigenously designed and engineered, contributing significantly to India’s objectives of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The system has undergone successful field validation under the aegis of the Army Airborne Training School (AATS) and is now progressing towards deployment with the Indian Army.
The Group places on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude to ADRDE and DRDO for their continuous technical guidance, expertise and confidence throughout the development, validation and technology-transfer journey. The collaboration with ADRDE has been instrumental in enabling the company to build indigenous manufacturing capabilities and transition the system from development and trials to operational deployment. JCBL particularly acknowledges the scientists, engineers and technical teams at ADRDE whose sustained efforts and close coordination with industry have been vital in achieving this milestone.
Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director, JCBL Group, said, “We sincerely thank DRDO and ADRDE for their continuous guidance and confidence in our capabilities. This technology transfer is a significant milestone for JCBL Group and reflects the strength of the DRDO–Industry partnership. We remain fully committed to supporting India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.”
Raj Kumar Pandey, Joint Managing Director, ADSL, (A JCBL Group Company), said, “The 20T Heavy Drop System significantly strengthens our indigenous capability in heavy aerial delivery. We are grateful to ADRDE and DRDO for their technical expertise and continued support in enabling us to manufacture this critical defence technology in India.”
The achievement reinforces JCBL Group’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, with continued focus on indigenous engineering, advanced manufacturing and specialised defence and aerospace solutions.
