The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated its indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) with a combat free-fall jump from 32,000 feet, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Wednesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry for the achievement, calling it a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
The high-altitude jump was carried out by Indian Air Force test jumpers, highlighting the reliability, advanced design, and tactical efficiency of the homegrown system. The MoD noted that the MCPS is now the only operational parachute system in India capable of deployment above 25,000 feet.
Developed by DRDO laboratories — the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory in Bengaluru — the MCPS integrates several enhanced features. These include a lower rate of descent, improved steering, precise navigation to designated landing zones, and safe deployment at predetermined altitudes.
The system is compatible with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) and is designed to operate without interference or denial from external parties, giving paratroopers greater operational freedom.
The MoD emphasized that the success of the MCPS paves the way for induction of indigenous parachute systems, which will offer reduced maintenance turnaround times, longer operational utility, and decreased reliance on foreign suppliers during conflict situations.
Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, praised the team behind the demonstration and described the development as a significant step toward self-reliance in aerial delivery systems.
