Overview

• The Ministry of Defence confirmed a successful combat free-fall from 32,000 feet using DRDO’s Military Combat Parachute System, executed by Indian Air Force test jumpers.
• The ministry said MCPS is the only parachute currently in operational use by Indian forces that can be deployed above 25,000 feet.
• The system was developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory in Bengaluru.
• Key features include a lower descent rate, improved steering, predetermined deployment altitudes, accurate navigation, and landings at designated zones.
• Officials cited NavIC compatibility as protection against outside interference and framed the success as paving the way for indigenous induction with faster maintenance and reduced reliance on imports.