DRDO Achieves Milestone with Successful High-Altitude Test of Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has marked a significant achievement by successfully testing a domestically developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at an altitude of 32,000 feet. This test underscores India's progress in defence self-reliance and aerial delivery capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence announced that the MCPS is currently the only parachute system in use by the Indian Armed Forces that can be deployed above 25,000 feet. Wing Commander Vishal Lakhesh, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), alongside Master Warrant Officers R J Singh and Vivek Tiwari, conducted the successful test, highlighting the system's efficiency, reliability, and advanced tactical design.
The MCPS was a collaborative effort between DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) in Bengaluru. This system boasts enhanced features such as a reduced rate of descent, superior steering capabilities, and precise navigation, allowing paratroopers to exit aircraft safely, deploy parachutes at specified altitudes, and land accurately at designated zones.
A standout feature of the system is its integration with India's indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC. This ensures operational independence and resilience against external interference or service denial, even in hostile environments.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that the success of the MCPS paves the way for the use of fully indigenous parachute systems, which offer benefits like reduced maintenance time, extended service life, and lesser reliance on foreign equipment during conflicts.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, and their industry partners, describing the test as a "significant milestone" in India's pursuit of indigenous defence capabilities. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also praised the achievement as a crucial step towards self-reliance in aerial delivery systems.
The MCPS is anticipated to enhance the operational capabilities of Indian paratroopers, ensuring their safety, accuracy, and reliability in high-altitude combat deployments during future missions.
