Indigenous DRDO Military Combat Parachute System Successfully Tested at 32,000 Feet: A Milestone for India's Defense Self-Reliance

The indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) by DRDO has successfully completed a combat free-fall jump from 32,000 feet altitude, marking a significant achievement for India's defense capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the Industry for this remarkable demonstration, highlighting it as a crucial milestone for India's self-reliant defense sector.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that test jumpers from the Indian Air Force executed the jump, demonstrating the efficiency, reliability, and sophisticated design of this home-grown system.

According to the Ministry's press release, "This achievement establishes the MCPS as the only parachute system currently in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces with deployment capability above 25,000 feet."

The MCPS was jointly developed by two DRDO laboratories - Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory in Bengaluru.

The system features advanced tactical capabilities including reduced descent rate and enhanced steering functionality, allowing paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at specific altitudes, navigate with precision, and land accurately at designated zones.

A notable feature of the MCPS is its compatibility with Navigation with Indian Constellation, providing operational independence against any adversary while remaining resistant to interference or denial of service from external parties or nations.

The Ministry emphasized that this success paves the way for the induction of indigenous parachute systems into the armed forces.

The domestically produced system offers significant advantages, including shorter maintenance turnaround times compared to imported equipment, ensuring maximum utilization throughout its operational life and reducing dependence on foreign nations for serviceability during conflicts.

Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, praised the team involved in the demonstration, describing it as a major advancement toward self-reliance in aerial delivery systems.