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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has now officially stated that DRDO has successfully developed a made-in-India equipment for pilots of Tejas fighter aircrafts that would raise their winning score during a dog-fight situation.

According to a release issued by the MoD on 5th of March 2025, the Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft.

This successful trial was conducted on Tuesday the 4th of March  2025.

The OBOGS-based ILSS is a cutting-edge system designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, eliminating dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems.

The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)/ Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), meeting stringent aeromedical standards in varied flight conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level and high-G maneuvers.

Performance evaluations covered critical aspects such as oxygen concentration, demand breathing, availability of 100% oxygen, aerobatic maneuvers at required altitudes for full functional testing of Anti – G Valve, Breathing Oxygen System (BOS) ON during taxying, Take off, Cruise, G turns and rejoin approach & landing.

Following flight clearance from Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all specified parameters. Beyond OBOGS, the ILSS integrates 10 Line Replaceable Units, including the Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator, BOS, Emergency Oxygen System, Oxygen Sensor, Anti-G valve, and other advanced components.

The MoD statement added that this would ensure real-time oxygen generation, enhancing pilot endurance and operational effectiveness.

The system has been manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, reflecting a significant collaboration between DRDO and Indian defence industries.

Notably, the ILSS has 90% indigenous content, furthering India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.

With appropriate modifications, the system can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other aircraft.

This milestone has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of DEBEL, ADA, HAL, CEMILAC, National Flight Test Center, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and the Indian Air Force (IAF).