In News:

• India has achieved a major milestone in defenceindigenisation with the successful testing of the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The system demonstrated a combat freefall jump from 32,000 feet, making it a significant advancement in India’s aerial delivery capability.

About the Military Combat Parachute System

The MCPS is an indigenous high-altitude parachute system designed to support special operations and military freefall missions in extreme altitudes and hostile environments.

• Developed by:
  • Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra
  • Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru

Key Features

• Altitude Capability: Successfully tested from 32,000 feet, and the only parachute system in operational use with the capability to be deployed above 25,000 feet by Indian forces.
• Enhanced Tactical Performance:
  • Lower rate of descent
  • Superior steering and maneuvering abilities
  • Allows accurate navigation and landing at designated drop zones
• Navigation Support: Compatible with NavIC (Indian satellite navigation system), ensuring secure and interference-free guidance.
• Mission Capability: Enables safe aircraft exit, controlled descent, and precise landing in complex terrains—critical for special forces operations.

Strategic Significance

• Self-Reliance in Defence:
  • Major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in aerial delivery systems
  • Reduces dependence on foreign parachute systems and maintenance support
• Operational Advantage:
  • Ensures reliability in high-risk environments
  • Immune to external interference/denial of service attempts
  • Enhances special operations capability against any adversary
• Logistics & Lifecycle Benefits:
  • Faster maintenance turnaround compared to imported systems
  • Ensures availability during conflicts or war-time contingencies