Source: PIB
Context: The Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), indigenously developed by DRDO, was successfully tested at an altitude of 32,000 feet, marking the first Indian-made parachute system capable of high-altitude deployment above 25,000 feet.
About The Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS):
- What It Is?
- The MCPS is an advanced high-altitude military parachute system designed for combat freefall operations by special forces and paratroopers in extreme conditions. It enables safe, controlled, and precise landings from high altitudes during tactical missions.
- Developed By: The system has been jointly developed by two DRDO laboratories —
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- Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and
- Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru.
- Aim: To create a fully indigenous, high-performance aerial delivery system that enhances India’s strategic and operational autonomy by eliminating dependence on imported parachutes for special operations.
- Key Features:
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- High-Altitude Capability: Operates efficiently above 25,000 ft, tested at 32,000 ft — the highest for any Indian system.
- Enhanced Safety: Features a lower rate of descent and superior steering control, ensuring stable, accurate landings.
- Navigation Compatibility: Integrated with NaVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) for precise geolocation without reliance on foreign satellites.
- Operational Flexibility: Allows pre-determined altitude deployment and accurate zone navigation under combat conditions.
- Maintenance Advantage: Quick turnaround and easy repairability, offering higher lifetime utility than imported systems.
- Significance:
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- Marks a major leap in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in aerial delivery systems.
- Reduces strategic vulnerability by ending dependence on foreign suppliers for airborne combat gear.
