DRDO Tests High-Altitude Combat Parachute System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a high-altitude trial of the indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at the Nyoma-Mudh Drop Zone in Ladakh’s Leh district on 26 August 2026. The trial jump took place from 22,000 feet above mean sea level in temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Military Combat Parachute System

The Military Combat Parachute System is an indigenous parachute platform used by the Indian Armed Forces for high-altitude deployment. The system has been tested up to 32,000 feet in October 2025 and is the only parachute system in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of such deployment.

Design and Development Agencies

The MCPS was designed and developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra. The project involved the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) in Bengaluru, which worked on the system’s physiological and operational components.

Technical Features and Trial Details

The trial jumpers were Wing Commander Rahul Jha, MWO R J Singh, and MWO Vivek Tiwari. The parachute was deployed at 20,000 feet, and the jumpers landed safely at 13,700 feet.

The MCPS includes a specialised para computer, an oxygen system, and thermal jumpsuits. The system also has advanced steering, a lower rate of descent, and integration with NavIC, India’s regional satellite navigation system.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDO is India’s premier defence research agency under the Ministry of Defence.
• ADRDE is based in Agra and works on aerial delivery systems and parachutes.
• DEBEL is located in Bengaluru and works on biomedical and life-support technologies for defence use.
• NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation and is India’s regional satellite navigation system.

Operational Context

The Nyoma-Mudh Drop Zone is located in Ladakh near the Line of Control. High-altitude parachute trials in this region are conducted under extreme weather and terrain conditions.