Cargo Aerial Del & Personnel Parachute System

The Cargo Aerial Delivery & Personnel Parachute Systems program, as detailed in Line Item 9140MA7804 of the Army's FY 2026 budget justification, supports the procurement and sustainment of a range of parachute systems and precision airdrop technologies. The primary objective of this program is to ensure the Army and its reserve components maintain mission readiness for airborne operations, resupply missions, and specialized insertion capabilities. This line item is funded under Other Procurement, Army, specifically within the Combat Service Support Equipment subactivity, and directly supports both domestic and overseas operational requirements.

Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) is a major component of this line item. The ATPS encompasses the T-11 (non-steerable) and MC-6 (steerable) parachute systems, which are the Army's standard for personnel low-altitude static line airborne operations. The T-11 system includes an integrated harness, reserve parachute, and main canopy, while the MC-6 system uses the same harness and reserve but features a steerable canopy. Both systems have completed initial fielding, but as early fielded units reach the end of their service life, ongoing procurement is necessary to replace aging inventory and maintain operational capability.

The RA-1 Parachute System is also funded under this line item and is designed for high-altitude insertion missions, replacing the legacy MC-4 system. The RA-1 supports both HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) and HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) operations, allowing personnel to exit aircraft at altitudes between 3,500 and 35,000 feet MSL with a total jumper weight up to 450 lbs. The system is complemented by the Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD), which automatically deploys the reserve parachute in emergencies, and the Military Altimeter (MA-1), which provides accurate altitude readings essential for high-altitude operations. These safety and mission-critical accessories are procured alongside the main parachute systems to ensure comprehensive capability.

Precision Airdrop Systems (JPADS) represent another significant objective within this budget line. JPADS enables the autonomous, guided delivery of cargo payloads from altitudes up to 25,000 feet, with variants supporting 2,000 lb (2K) and 10,000 lb (10K) payloads. The request includes procurement of JPADS 2K V3 systems, which feature daytime GPS-denied capability and replace older V2 systems to maintain cybersecurity authorization. Future upgrades (JPADS V4) will add nighttime and all-weather GPS-denied capabilities, and long-range variants are being developed to support resupply in contested environments. These investments are justified by the need to deliver critical supplies with precision while minimizing risk to aircraft and personnel in hostile or denied areas.

The program is managed centrally by the Army's Project Manager for Force Sustainment Systems (PM FSS) and employs multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to ensure flexibility, cost control, and timely delivery. The procurement strategy accounts for inflationary pressures, with Economic Price Adjustments incorporated into contract pricing. The program also includes funding for new equipment training, program support, and software updates, particularly for the JPADS fleet, to address evolving operational requirements and cybersecurity threats.

In accordance with Section 1815 of the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the systems procured under this line item are available for use by both active and reserve components for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. This ensures that the Army's airborne and airdrop capabilities remain robust and responsive to a wide range of mission scenarios, from combat operations to disaster relief.