06th March 2025, Hyderabad: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-altitude trial of an indigenous integrated life support system (ILSS) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The system, based on an On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), is designed to autonomously generate and manage breathable oxygen for aircrew, eliminating reliance on traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems.
The trial was carried out by the Bengaluru-based Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a DRDO lab specializing in aviation life sciences and bio-engineering. The DRDO stated that the system, with appropriate modifications, could also be integrated into other aircraft such as the MiG-29K and other fighter jet series.
Advancing Fighter Aircraft Technology
The indigenous ILSS was tested aboard the LCA-PV-3, a prototype variant of the Tejas aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The system was subjected to a rigorous series of tests adhering to well-established aero-medical standards, ensuring it meets operational requirements for modern fighter jets.
During the flight trials, the ILSS was tested under extreme conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and exposure to high gravitational (g) forces. The DRDO confirmed that the system’s performance parameters—such as OBOGS oxygen concentration levels, demand-based oxygen supply, and the availability of 100% oxygen—met all required specifications.
A critical part of the evaluation involved testing the system’s response to dynamic flight conditions, including aerobatic maneuvers at high altitudes, to ensure its reliability during combat operations. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) granted flight clearance for the trials, following stringent safety and performance assessments.
Indigenous Innovation for Enhanced Pilot Safety
The ILSS, an advanced life support solution developed domestically, consists of 10 line-replaceable units in addition to the OBOGS. These components collectively ensure the continuous, real-time generation of oxygen, a vital requirement for fighter pilots operating at high altitudes and under extreme conditions.
The integration of OBOGS eliminates logistical challenges associated with traditional oxygen cylinder systems, which require constant replenishment and increase operational dependency on ground support infrastructure. By enabling self-sufficiency in oxygen generation, the system enhances the endurance and mission capability of combat aircraft.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian engineering and defense manufacturing company, served as the development-cum-production partner for the ILSS. The DRDO highlighted that the system boasts an impressive 90% indigenous content, reinforcing India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in critical defense technologies under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Strategic Significance and Future Applications
The successful development and testing of the ILSS mark a significant milestone in India’s defense aviation sector. The capability to produce an advanced, self-sustaining oxygen generation system for fighter jets places India among a select group of nations with indigenous aerospace life support technology.
Experts believe that this innovation could have far-reaching implications for India’s fighter fleet. The adaptability of the ILSS to aircraft beyond the Tejas platform, such as the MiG-29K and future indigenous fighter jets, offers potential enhancements to operational efficiency and pilot survivability.
With its ability to function across multiple aircraft platforms, the ILSS could also be a game-changer for India’s air force modernization program. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) expands its fleet of Tejas aircraft and other indigenous combat jets, the integration of advanced life support systems will be crucial in ensuring mission readiness and reducing dependency on foreign technology.
Government’s Push for Indigenous Defense Solutions
The Indian government has been actively promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing through the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The successful trial of the ILSS aligns with these national objectives by showcasing India’s growing capability in indigenous defense research and development.
The DRDO, through its specialized labs like DEBEL, has been working on multiple projects aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the armed forces. The organization has played a key role in advancing critical defense technologies, from missile systems to combat aircraft and naval defense systems.
Conclusion
The successful high-altitude trial of the ILSS for the Tejas aircraft marks a crucial advancement in India’s defense technology landscape. By eliminating reliance on liquid oxygen cylinders and enabling real-time oxygen generation, the system enhances the safety, endurance, and operational effectiveness of fighter pilots.
With its high indigenous content and potential for integration into multiple aircraft platforms, the ILSS represents a major step towards self-reliance in aerospace technology. As India continues to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities, innovations like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future air combat strategy.
