Why in news?

• The MCPS is an advanced, indigenously developed parachute system by India's DRDO, designed for high-altitude combat freefall operations.
• It successfully completed a test jump from 32,000 feet, making it the only parachute system in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Developed by DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (Agra) and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (Bengaluru).
• Allows safe exit, parachute deployment at predetermined altitudes, accurate navigation, and precise landing in designated zones.
• Compatible with NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), ensuring navigation autonomy and resistance to jamming or interference by adversaries.
• Supports deployment from high altitudes critical for High-Altitude Low-Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) operations.
• Enables paratroopers to carry full combat load including weapons and survival gear.

Strategic Importance

• Reduces reliance on imported parachute systems, enhancing self-reliance in defence technology.
• Improves operational readiness and efficiency, especially in difficult terrains such as mountains and hostile environments.
• Supports covert insertions, rapid troop deployment, and disaster response in high-altitude areas like the Himalayas.

The successful development and testing of MCPS represent a significant milestone in India's defence capability and indigenous technological advancement in aerial delivery systems.

Download Pdf