DRDO MCPS tested at 32,000 feet.
Indian DRDO’s Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) Tested at 32,000 Feet: New Delhi, October 15, 2025: In a major breakthrough for India’s defense capabilities, the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), an indigenously developed technology by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully undergone a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet. This remarkable achievement was carried out by test jumpers from the Indian Air Force, demonstrating the system’s reliability, efficiency, and advanced design features. The MCPS is now the only parachute system in use by the Indian Armed Forces that can be deployed at altitudes above 25,000 feet.
The successful test jump highlights the advanced capabilities of the MCPS, developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) in Bengaluru. The parachute system incorporates several tactical innovations, such as a reduced rate of descent and enhanced steering capabilities. These features allow paratroopers to safely exit aircraft at high altitudes, deploy their parachutes at predetermined altitudes, and navigate with precision to designated landing zones.
DRDO Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)
One of the key advantages of the MCPS is its compatibility with the Indian Navigation Constellation (NavIC), a satellite-based navigation system developed by India. This ensures that the parachute system is immune to interference or denial of service from any foreign entities, making it a robust and secure option for military operations. The system’s indigenous nature further enhances its strategic importance, as it will reduce the Indian Armed Forces’ dependency on foreign suppliers and ensure greater operational autonomy, particularly in conflict situations.
The successful testing of the MCPS marks a crucial milestone in India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technologies. With this system now in place, the Indian Armed Forces are poised to enjoy greater flexibility and efficiency in aerial operations, with reduced maintenance and repair turnaround times compared to imported systems. This will ensure that the parachute systems remain fully operational throughout their lifespan, significantly enhancing combat readiness during times of crisis.
Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry on the successful demonstration, calling it a significant achievement for India’s indigenous defense capabilities. He emphasized that the successful development and testing of the MCPS underscore India’s growing self-reliance in high-tech defense solutions.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of DRDO, also commended the DRDO team for their hard work and dedication in bringing the MCPS to fruition. He hailed the successful demonstration as a major step towards achieving complete self-sufficiency in the field of aerial delivery systems and emphasized the importance of such innovations in strengthening India’s defense infrastructure.
With this successful test, the MCPS is now poised for future induction into the Indian Armed Forces, marking another significant advancement in India’s journey towards defense indigenization and enhanced combat capabilities.
