India Achieves Breakthrough in High-Altitude Parachuting with DRDO’s MCPS

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) has successfully undergone a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday. The jump was executed by test jumpers of the Indian Air Force, showcasing the efficiency, reliability, and advanced design of the indigenous system.

According to the statement issue, this achievement makes the MCPS the only parachute system currently in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet.

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Developed by DRDO laboratories — Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru — the MCPS incorporates several enhanced tactical features, including a lower rate of descent and superior steering capabilities. This enables paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at predetermined altitudes, navigate accurately, and land at designated zones.

The system is also compatible with the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), providing freedom of use against any adversary of choice. It is not susceptible to interference or denial of service by outside parties or nations, the ministry added.

“The success of this system has opened doors for induction of Indigenous parachute systems. This will ensure maximum utility of 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 said.

Congratulating DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry on the successful demonstration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the achievement as “a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capability.”

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also commended the team associated with the demonstration, terming it “a major step towards self-reliance in the field of aerial delivery systems.”