Article – DRDO Tests 32,000 Ft Combat Parachute For Indian Special Forces

The indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully completed a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet for the Indian Special Forces.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities in the field of aerial delivery systems.

Key Details of the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)

1. High-Altitude Capability

  • Altitude Achieved: The combat freefall jump was successfully executed from an altitude of 32,000 feet. The parachute system itself was reportedly deployed at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
  • Operational Significance: This makes the MCPS the only parachute system currently in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment at an altitude above 25,000 feet, enabling High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) or High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) operations critical for special forces.

2. Development and Testing

  • Developers: The MCPS was developed jointly by two DRDO laboratories:
    • Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.
    • Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru.
  • Execution: The test jump was carried out by test jumpers of the Indian Air Force, demonstrating the system’s efficiency, reliability, and advanced design under extreme conditions.

3. Enhanced Tactical Features

The system incorporates several advanced features designed to ensure safety, precision, and operational autonomy for paratroopers:

  • Lower Rate of Descent: Allows for safer landings, crucial when jumping from extreme altitudes.
  • Superior Steering Capabilities: Provides better control, enabling paratroopers to navigate accurately while under the canopy.
  • Precision Landing: Allows personnel to safely exit the aircraft, deploy the parachute at predetermined altitudes, navigate, and land at designated drop zones.
  • NavIC Compatibility: The system is compatible with the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), India’s indigenous satellite navigation system. This integration provides:
    • Operational Autonomy: Provides freedom of use and is not dependent on foreign satellite networks.
    • Security: Makes the system less susceptible to interference or denial of service by outside parties or nations.

4. Strategic Importance

The success of the MCPS is a major step toward self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in critical defence technologies, as it:

  • Reduces Import Dependence: Lessens the Indian Armed Forces’ reliance on foreign suppliers for high-altitude parachute systems.
  • Ensures Higher Utility: The indigenous design will allow for a minimal turnaround time for routine maintenance and repair compared to imported equipment, ensuring maximum utility and availability, especially during conflicts.
  • Boosts Special Operations: The system will enhance the tactical flexibility and range of special operations units like the Para (Special Forces) in high-altitude and contested environments.

Chandan Singh

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