The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s aerospace sector by successfully conducting high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, conducted these trials on March 4, 2025, demonstrating India’s growing self-reliance in critical aviation technologies.
Revolutionizing Airborne Life Support Systems
The OBOGS-based ILSS is a next-generation system designed to provide continuous oxygen supply to pilots in real time, eliminating dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinders. The system was rigorously tested on the LCA Prototype Vehicle-3 of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), ensuring its performance under extreme flight conditions. The trials evaluated the system’s efficacy at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level, including high-G maneuvers that replicate real combat scenarios.
Performance parameters tested included oxygen concentration levels, demand breathing mechanisms, availability of 100% oxygen, and system reliability during aerobatic maneuvers. The evaluation covered critical phases such as take-off, cruising, G-turns, rejoin approach, and landing. With clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all predefined standards, marking a major leap in indigenous defence aviation technology.
Advanced Features and Indigenous Development
The ILSS incorporates 10 Line Replaceable Units, including key components such as the Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator, Breathing Oxygen System (BOS), Emergency Oxygen System, Oxygen Sensor, and Anti-G Valve. These advanced elements ensure real-time oxygen generation, significantly enhancing pilot endurance and mission effectiveness.
Developed in collaboration with Indian defence industries, the system boasts 90% indigenous content. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) served as the Development cum Production Partner, underscoring the public-private partnership model in strengthening India’s aerospace sector. Furthermore, the ILSS is designed with adaptability in mind—it can be modified for integration into MiG-29K and other aircraft, expanding its utility beyond the LCA Tejas.
A Step Towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), HAL, ADA, and industry partners for this remarkable achievement. He emphasized that this technological breakthrough aligns with India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ showcasing the nation’s growing capability in cutting-edge defence technologies.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also commended the collaborative efforts of DEBEL, CEMILAC, the National Flight Test Center, the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and the IAF. Their combined contributions ensured the successful high-altitude trial of the Indigenous ILSS, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in aerospace technology.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The successful development of the ILSS represents a game-changer for India’s defence aviation sector. By eliminating reliance on imported oxygen systems, India strengthens its operational capabilities and resilience against supply chain disruptions. The technology’s adaptability to multiple aircraft further enhances its strategic value, supporting a broad spectrum of defence platforms.
Additionally, this innovation sets the stage for further advancements in aeromedical systems, potentially benefiting both military and civilian aerospace applications. It also establishes India as a key player in the global aviation technology space, opening doors for future exports and international collaborations.
The high-altitude trials of the Indigenous ILSS for LCA Tejas mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology. With indigenous content exceeding 90%, the development of this critical life-support system underscores the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. As India continues to push boundaries in aerospace innovation, this achievement serves as a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to technological excellence and national security.
