DRDO’s Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System Achieves Successful 32,000-ft Freefall Test
In a major boost to India’s airborne capabilities, the indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a combat freefall jump from a staggering altitude of 32,000 feet.
Test jumpers of the Indian Air Force executed the high-altitude mission, demonstrating the system’s efficiency, reliability and advanced design.
With this feat, MCPS has become the only parachute system currently in operational service with the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet. The MCPS is developed by DRDO laboratories - Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru.
The system has compatibility with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), the stand-alone navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The integration will provide the freedom of use against any adversary of our choice and is not susceptible to interference or denial of service by outside parties or nations.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence stated that the system incorporates several enhanced tactical features, including a lower rate of descent and superior steering capabilities, enabling paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at predetermined altitudes, navigate accurately, and land at designated zones. The success of this system has opened doors for induction of Indigenous parachute systems. This will ensure maximum utility of the parachute system over its lifetime due to least turnaround time for routine maintenance and repair compared to imported equipment. This will also reduce dependency on other nations for its serviceability during times of conflict and war, the statement read.
Congratulating the DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry on the successful demonstration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capability. “Proud moment for nation! The indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) by @DRDO_India has achieved combat freefall jump from 32,000 ft. A remarkable milestone towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies,” he wrote in a post on X,
