GS3 · Defence tech

DRDO’s combat parachute tested at 32,000 feet

Battle IAS current affairs title card: DRDO's combat parachute tested at 32,000 feet (GS3 · Defence tech, 15 October 2025)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20261 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

What happened

  • DRDO’s Military Combat Parachute System made a combat freefall jump from 32,000 feet; it is the only parachute in Indian service usable above 25,000 feet [PIB].
  • It was developed by ADRDE Agra and DEBEL Bengaluru and works with NavIC [PIB].

Background

  • NavIC compatibility means it does not depend on foreign navigation signals [PIB].

Why it matters

  • High-altitude insertion matters for special forces on the northern borders.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Security; indigenisation of technology

  1. As per PIB (2025-10-15): DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System made a combat freefall jump from 32,000 feet; it is the only parachute in Indian service usable above 25,000 feet.
  2. High-altitude insertion matters for special forces on the northern borders.
Quotable data point

DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System made a combat freefall jump from 32,000 feet.

PIB: DRDO: MCPS test at 32,000 ft, 15 Oct 2025

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: NavIC.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Test altitude

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Lab in Agra that developed it

Answer (a) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Navigation system compatible

Answer (a) & explanation

PIB.

Official source: PIB: DRDO: MCPS test at 32,000 ft, 15 Oct 2025

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending