The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous ADC‑150 Air Droppable Container from the Boeing P‑8I Poseidon aircraft.
The trials were carried out off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1, 2026, under different extreme release conditions.
Purpose of ADC-150
The ADC-150 is an indigenously designed and developed air-droppable container capable of delivering up to 150 kg payload. The system is designed to enhance naval logistics by enabling quick aerial delivery of essential supplies to ships operating far from the coastline.
It can be used to deliver:
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Critical equipment and operational stores
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Medical supplies and emergency aid
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Essential logistics support to naval vessels in distress
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Supplies to ships deployed in blue-water operations
This capability will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s rapid response logistics at sea.
DRDO Laboratories Involved
Several DRDO laboratories contributed to the development and testing of the system:
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**Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam – Nodal laboratory for the project
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**Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra – Developed the parachute system
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**Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Bengaluru – Provided flight clearance and certification
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**Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad – Provided instrumentation support during trials
Significance for Indian Navy
The ADC-150 system was developed and qualified within a short timeframe to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy. With all developmental flight trials successfully completed, the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.
This development strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities and improves logistical support for naval operations conducted far from the shore.