Rajnath Singh hails indigenous parachute system a “remarkable milestone” for India’s defence

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for developing the indigenously designed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), calling it a “remarkable milestone towards self-reliance.

In a post on X, the Defence Minister said, “Proud moment for the nation! The indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) by @DRDO. India has achieved a combat free-fall jump from 32,000 ft. A remarkable milestone towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies.”

The MCPS, developed by DRDO, has successfully undergone a combat free-fall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet. The jump was executed by test jumpers of the Indian Air Force, demonstrating the efficiency, reliability, and advanced design of the indigenous system.

With this achievement, the Indian Armed Forces now will have the premier high-altitude parachute system capable of deployment above 25,000 feet, significantly boosting the strategic capabilities of our special forces.

According to the defense ministry, the MCPS was developed by DRDO laboratories — Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (Agra) and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (Bengaluru).

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 in designated zones.

The system is compatible with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) and provides operational freedom against adversaries without risk of interference or denial of service by external parties or nations.

In a post on X, DRDO said, “Achieving a major milestone in critical defence technologies, the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), indigenously developed by DRDO, has successfully undergone a combat free-fall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet. The parachute system was deployed at an altitude of 30,000 ft, making it the only system deployed at this altitude currently in use by the Indian Armed Forces. The jump was executed by test jumpers Wg Cdr Vishal Lakhesh, VM (G), MWO R J Singh, and MWO Vivek Tiwari, showcasing the efficiency, reliability, and advanced design of the indigenous system.”

The success of the MCPS paves the way for the induction of indigenous parachute systems, ensuring maximum utility over their lifetime due to reduced turnaround time for routine maintenance and repairs compared to imported equipment. It will also reduce dependency on other nations for serviceability during times of conflict and war.