SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Gurugram-based Kohli Enterprises has been awarded the Limited Authorization Transfer of Technology (LA ToT) for the production of brake parachutes for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. The technology transfer, facilitated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, marks a pivotal moment in integrating private industry into the nation’s defense production ecosystem.
The formal handover took place during an event organized by DRDO on the sidelines of Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru from February 10-14, 2025. Kanav Kohli, Managing Director of Kohli Enterprises, received the LA ToT document from Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). This transfer underscores India’s ongoing “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering indigenous innovation.
The brake parachute is a critical safety component for high-speed fighter jets like the Su-30 MKI, a mainstay of the IAF’s fleet. Deployed during landing, it provides additional deceleration, ensuring the aircraft stops safely within runway limits, particularly under high-speed or emergency conditions. Until recently, India relied on Russian imports for these parachutes, making their sustainment vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange costs. The transfer of this technology to Kohli Enterprises signals a shift towards domestic production, enhancing operational autonomy for the IAF.
DRDO, the architect of this indigenous brake parachute system, has developed a proven design tailored to the Su-30’s requirements. The single-canopy parachute is engineered to decelerate aircraft weighing between 9 to 20 tons, offering reliability in both routine and emergency landings. By entrusting its production to a private firm, DRDO is not only expanding manufacturing capacity but also paving the way for greater private-sector participation in defense projects.
Kohli Enterprises, based in Gurugram, Haryana, has established itself as a key manufacturer of parachutes and related systems, including cargo parachutes, recovery parachutes for UAVs, and ram-air parachutes. With a track record of supplying high-quality textile-based defense solutions, the company brings technical expertise and a commitment to quality assurance to this new venture. The LA ToT empowers Kohli Enterprises to produce these critical components under DRDO’s oversight, ensuring adherence to stringent military standards.
During the handover ceremony, Kanav Kohli expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This technology transfer is a milestone for Kohli Enterprises and a testament to the trust placed in us by DRDO and the Ministry of Defence. We are committed to delivering world-class brake parachutes that enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities while contributing to India’s self-reliance in defense production.”
The transfer aligns seamlessly with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns, which prioritize indigenous manufacturing and innovation. Alongside Kohli Enterprises, two other entities—Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) Hazratpur and Oriental Weaving & Processing Mill Pvt Ltd, Navi Mumbai—have also received ToT for Su-30 brake parachutes, reflecting a multi-pronged approach to scaling up production. The IAF is expected to place orders worth approximately ?500 crore for these indigenously manufactured parachutes, providing a significant economic boost to domestic industries.
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