Indigenous combat parachute system successfully tested at 32,000 feet
New Delhi October 16. In a significant boost to India’s defence indigenisation drive, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), which underwent a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet. The test jump, carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, validated the system’s efficiency, reliability, and advanced design, establishing it as the only parachute system in operational use by the Indian armed forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet.
Developed jointly by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, the MCPS features several advanced tactical capabilities, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence. These include a lower rate of descent, superior steering control, and enhanced navigation precision, allowing paratroopers to exit aircraft safely, deploy parachutes at predetermined altitudes, and land accurately at designated zones.
The system is also integrated with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), ensuring independent and secure positioning capability that is immune to external interference or denial of service – a major advantage during hostile or contested operations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the successful test paves the way for induction of indigenous parachute systems, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and ensuring faster maintenance turnaround compared to imported equipment. This will also strengthen operational readiness during conflict situations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the armed forces, and the Indian defence industry for the achievement, calling it “a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability”.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Samir V Kamat, congratulated the teams involved, describing the successful demonstration as “a major step towards self-reliance in the field of aerial delivery systems”.
