Archive · 26 Aug 2026
DRDO Successfully Tests Combat Parachute At Extreme Ladakh Altitude
India tested a new military parachute in the very high mountains of Ladakh.
Three trained jumpers made the test jump from 22,000 feet.
The temperature was as cold as -15°C.
The parachute opened at 20,000 feet.
The jumpers landed safely at 13,700 feet.
They also used special equipment, including an oxygen system and a computer for parachuting.
The test showed that the parachute could work in difficult high-altitude conditions.
DRDO said the trial supports India’s effort to develop important defence technology domestically.
DRDO tested its indigenous Military Combat Parachute System in Ladakh on August 26, 2026.
Three test jumpers descended from 22,000 feet in temperatures of -15°C.
The parachute was deployed at 20,000 feet, and all jumpers landed safely at 13,700 feet.
The system was developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment.
The trial also used an indigenous para computer, oxygen system and specialised jumpsuits.
- Who
- DRDO’s three test jumpers—Wing Commander Rahul Jha, MWO R J Singh and MWO Vivek Tiwari—conducted the trial.
- What
- They successfully tested the indigenous Military Combat Parachute System and related subsystems.
- When
- August 26, 2026.
- Where
- The Nyoma-Mudh drop zones in Leh district, Ladakh.
- Why
- To assess the parachute’s effectiveness, reliability and tactical usefulness in extreme high-altitude conditions.
- System tested
- Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)
- Developer
- Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO
- Jump altitude
- 22,000 feet above mean sea level
- Temperature
- -15°C
- Parachute deployment
- 20,000 feet
- Landing altitude
- 13,700 feet
- Additional equipment
- Indigenous para computer, oxygen system and jumpsuits