India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully completed in-flight release trials of the indigenously developed ADC-150 (Air-Droppable Container) system, marking a significant milestone in defence self-reliance. The system was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), located in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), which functions under DRDO.
The ADC-150 is capable of carrying a payload of up to 150 kg and was tested using the Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft — a long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare platform. The successful trial validates the system's ability to deliver critical supplies, equipment, or emergency stores to ships, submarines, or distressed locations at sea without requiring the aircraft to land.
This is India's first indigenous air-droppable logistics container system, reducing dependence on foreign procurement for naval supply operations. The development aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) defence initiative and supports the Indian Navy's operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
NSTL, Visakhapatnam specialises in underwater weapons, naval systems, and associated technologies. The ADC-150 project reflects a growing synergy between DRDO laboratories and the Indian Navy in developing platform-specific indigenous solutions. The system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, enhancing the Navy's ability to conduct logistics operations over extended maritime zones without relying on imported systems.