On April 27, 2023, the Indian Navy and DRDO successfully tested the first locally-made Air Droppable Container, ADC-150, from the IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa. The purpose of the test was to enhance naval operational logistics capabilities by providing an immediate response to meet the engineering stores’ requirements of ships under distress, even if they are more than 2,000 km away from the coast. The ADC-150 has a payload capacity of 150 kg and can reduce the need for ships to approach close to the coast to collect spare parts.
The development of the ADC-150 container was a combined effort of three DRDO laboratories – Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam; Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment, Agra; and Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru. The flight clearance certification critical to the test was provided by the Regional Center for Military Airworthiness in Kanpur, which is managed by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification in Bengaluru.
The successful test run of the ADC-150 was appreciated by the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO, who praised the scientists and the Indian Navy for their efforts. The ADC-150 technology can significantly enhance the naval operational logistics capabilities and provide a rapid response to ships under distress, contributing to the country’s defence capabilities.
