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Industry · defence and security

Defence and security

Parachute and textile-based recovery systems built to save missions and protect assets – from UAVs and loitering munitions to tactical payloads.

Three olive round-canopy parachutes with payloads descending over hilly terrain

Critical aerial recovery systems for mission success

With over 50 years of hands-on aerodynamic expertise, APCO creates advanced parachute and textile-based recovery systems built to save missions and protect assets. From UAVs and loitering munitions to missile multi-stage recovery and tactical payloads, the solutions are trusted by leading defense forces and manufacturers around the world.

APCO supports every stage – from initial concept to field deployment – with systems that meet the most demanding MIL-SPEC and NATO standards for performance and reliability.

Military-grade innovation, field-proven reliability

The systems are engineered for tough missions in high-speed, high-altitude and high-risk conditions. Every product is designed to perform when it matters most, offering:

  • Steerable gliding parachutes for precision recovery
  • Reefed canopy deployment systems for controlled deceleration
  • Airbag-based decelerators to reduce impact forces
  • Ballistic and mechanical release mechanisms for rapid deployment
Aerial view: dark square parachute on the ground next to a landed fixed-wing UAV

Why defense leaders choose APCO

  • Field-proven across multiple IDF UAV and ISR platforms
  • Produced in an ISO 9001 and MIL-SPEC certified facility
  • Fully compliant with Wassenaar Arrangement export controls
  • In-house testing capabilities up to 1,000 kg payloads
  • Active partnerships with IAI, Rafael, Elbit, U-Vision and more
Participants of a packing course holding certificates in a production hall
Packing training course for local air force personnel

Technical data per manufacturer documentation from APCO Aviation Ltd , as of 2026-09-22.

Frequently asked

Asked in technical terms.

Which defence applications does APCO develop recovery systems for?

APCO develops parachute and textile-based recovery systems for UAVs, loitering munitions, missile multi-stage recovery and tactical payloads. They include steerable gliding parachutes, reefed canopy deployment systems, airbag-based decelerators and ballistic and mechanical release mechanisms. The systems are engineered for tough missions in high-speed, high-altitude and high-risk conditions.

Which standards and credentials do the defence and security systems meet?

The systems meet demanding MIL-SPEC and NATO standards for performance and reliability. They are produced in an ISO 9001 and MIL-SPEC certified facility, fully compliant with Wassenaar Arrangement export controls. In-house testing covers payloads up to 1,000 kg, and the systems are field-proven across multiple IDF UAV and ISR platforms.

Tell us what the system has to do.

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