JCBL Group has received the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) for the Heavy Drop System – 20T (Type V) for C-130 and 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, in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Developed in collaboration with ADRDE and DRDO, the 20T Heavy Drop System is designed for the aerial delivery of heavy military equipment and armoured vehicles weighing up to 20 tonnes. The system is intended for operations in remote and high-altitude areas where conventional transportation can be difficult.
JCBL’s defence division, Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL), has supported the development and absorbed the technology required to manufacture the system in India. The company has established the capability to manufacture the platform configuration at scale.
Key elements of the system, including the main parachutes, extractor systems and drop platforms, have been designed and engineered in India. The system has undergone field validation under the aegis of the Army Airborne Training School (AATS) and is progressing towards deployment with the Indian Army.
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, 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 technology transfer marks a further step in JCBL Group’s defence manufacturing activities, with the company focusing on indigenous engineering, production and specialised defence and aerospace systems. JCBL Group said the development and transfer of the technology was supported by continued technical cooperation with ADRDE and DRDO. The company also acknowledged the contribution of scientists, engineers and technical teams involved in the development, field validation and technology transfer of the system.
The Heavy Drop System is designed to support the operational mobility of military forces by enabling the aerial delivery of heavy equipment and armoured platforms. Its ability to carry loads of up to 20 tonnes is intended to expand India’s indigenous heavy aerial delivery capabilities for military operations. The company said the project is aligned with the objectives of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat and reflects the role of industry partnerships in translating defence research and development into locally manufactured systems.
Founded in 1989 with a vision to become a market leader, JCBL Limited today proudly serves the needs of major OEMs and key government bodies, including ISRO, DRDO, the Ministry of Health, NACO, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Transportation, State Transport Undertakings, prime fleet operators, private enterprises, and many more. Each year, the company produces thousands of highly customized mobility solutions tailored to diverse requirements. Guided by a strong customer-first philosophy, JCBL Limited continuously evolves, innovates, and scales its capabilities to meet the unique expectations of every client.
