18.02.2026.
63rd Parachute Brigade conducts training with new parachutes
Training is currently underway at the 63rd Parachute Brigade at the Sergeant Pilot Mihajlo Petrović Air Base in Niš. Brigade members are training to perform jumps using the newly introduced, next generation RA-1 parachute system produced by Airborne Systems, an American parachute manufacturer.
The first part of training took place on the ground, where unit members underwent both theoretical and practical preparation, thoroughly familiarizing themselves with the new parachute system, practising the proper packing of the main and reserve parachutes, as well as emergency procedures for potential malfunctions. Once the ground phase was completed, the trainees performed free-fall jumps from aircraft at various altitudes, both with and without personal gear and weapons.The training is led by experienced instructors from the 63rd Parachute Brigade, who guide the soldiers through the specific techniques required for jumps with the new system.
One of the instructors overseeing the transition training noted that the programme is being undertaken by the unit’s most highly qualified paratroopers, including members of the instructor cadre who are being introduced to the new parachute system for the first time. After completing the transition training, they will take charge of training other members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade, passing on the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
— The parachute has phenomenal tactical and technical characteristics, enabling the execution of the most complex jumps in the most challenging weather conditions, including those we encountered today. The parachute is designed for deployment from all types of aircraft at medium and very high altitudes, with the capability to conduct High Altitude High Opening – HAHO jumps, commonly referred to as “canopy glides”, allowing paratroopers to cover distances of 20 to 40 kilometres without being detected by a radar, and carry out their mission. The RA-1 parachute can also be used for High Altitude Low Opening – HALO jumps, which involve exiting at high altitudes and deploying the parachute at low altitudes of up to 8,000 metres, with or without oxygen equipment, a technique our unit is fully trained for. Considering the strong winds and heavy clouds at the exit altitude of 2,000 metres, as well as sub-zero temperatures, today’s jumps were successful. Such conditions pose no difficulty for us. The flight with this parachute is phenomenal and, when used properly, it ensures a safe landing without any problems – the instructor emphasised, noting that the jumps were conducted from an Airbus H-145 helicopter.One of the trainees from the 63rd Parachute Brigade emphasised that the new RA-1 parachute system means a great deal to them.
— With this new parachute system we will be able to perform jumps landing in water and into obstacle-surrounded landing zones, as well as HAHO and HALO jumps. I’ve made my first jump with the RA-1 parachute, and I’m very pleased with its performance. Despite the challenging weather conditions today, we deployed the canopy at a safe altitude without any issues and landed in the designated drop zone. This parachute is characterised by exceptional landing accuracy and a glide ratio of 1:4.5, meaning that from an altitude of 1 kilometre we can travel the horizontal distance of four and a half kilometres. The support of our colleagues means a lot to us, we have strong mutual trust, and the instructors are there to pass on their knowledge to us – said the trainee.Training of this kind conducted in diverse conditions shapes members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade into military paratroopers capable of executing the most complex missions, both within their home base and outside their peacetime location. It also contributes to maintaining the unit’s high level of combat readiness in the execution of missions of special importance to the Republic of Serbia.
Young men and women who wish to join this elite unit of the Serbian Armed Forces and become military paratroopers may apply through the public competition, which is open until February 28. Candidates who submit complete and timely documentation will undergo medical examinations, psychological evaluation, physical fitness testing, and a security clearance process, followed by basic and selective training. Applicants who have not previously completed military training with weapons are also eligible to apply. They may qualify for admission into professional military service upon successfully completing the selective training for the 63rd Parachute Brigade.
