New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) from the Boeing P‑8I Poseidon aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1, 2026.
The trials took place under different extreme release conditions.
The indigenously designed system can deliver a payload of up to 150 kg. The Air Droppable Container enhances naval operational logistics and enables quick assistance for ships deployed far from the coast. It can deliver critical stores, equipment, and medical supplies to naval vessels in distress in the high seas, according to an official statement.
The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam served as the nodal laboratory for the project. The Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment in Agra developed the parachute system for the container.
The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification in Bengaluru provided flight clearance and certification. The Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad offered instrumentation support during the trials.
The ADC-150 system was developed and qualified in a short time to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft. With all developmental flight trials completed successfully, the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.
