DRDO, Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenous Air Droppable Container from P-8I Aircraft

Why in News?

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150).

The trials were carried out from a Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1, 2026.

About Air Droppable Container (ADC-150):

Indigenously designed and developed aerial delivery system.

Capable of carrying up to 150 kg payload.

Designed to deliver:

Critical equipment

Essential stores

Medical supplies

Purpose:

Provide rapid logistical support to naval ships deployed in deep seas.

Operational Role:

Enhances the Indian Navy’s blue-water operational logistics capability.

Allows emergency delivery of supplies to naval vessels operating far from the coastline.

Supports quick response during distress situations at sea.

Key DRDO Laboratories Involved:

Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam – Nodal laboratory for the project.

Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra – Developed the parachute system.

Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengalur– Provided flight clearance and certification.

Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad – Provided instrumentation support.

Aircraft Used for Trials:

Trials were conducted using the Boeing P-8I Poseidon.

The aircraft is used by the Indian Navy for:

Maritime surveillance

Anti-submarine warfare

Long-range reconnaissance

Future Induction:

After the successful completion of all developmental flight trials, the ADC-150 system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.

It will strengthen India’s maritime logistics and operational readiness.