What are Air Droppable Containers as Indian Navy's induction of DRDO-made ‘ADC-150’ nears?

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted successful testing of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’, a release said on Tuesday. Four successful in-flight release trials were executed from a P-8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21  and March 1 to ensure that it was compatible with extreme release conditions, the Defence Ministry release said.

ALSO READ | Why the Indian Navy needs Boeing Poseidon 8I aircraft to keep Chinese submarines in check? 5 POINTS

To meet the requirements of the Indian Navy, the ‘ADC-150’ was developed to deliver a 150 kg payload; with all developmental flight trials completed successfully, it is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.

"Indigenously designed and developed to deliver a 150 kg payload, the Air Droppable Container enhances naval operational logistics capabilities by providing a quick response to naval vessels in distress that need critical stores, equipment, or medical assistance while deployed in the deep sea far from the coast," the release read.

It further said that the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, acted as the nodal laboratory for the project. The Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, developed the parachute system, while the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification. The instrumentation support for the trials was provided by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.

ALSO READ | India has reasons to watch as the US Navy deploys P-8 Poseidon aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz

What are ADCs?

Air Droppable Containers (ADCs) are specialised logistics systems designed to provide critical supplies to naval units at sea, especially to those on ships operating in remote maritime locations far from standard supply chains. They are equipped with a parachute system so that the impact of landing on the water is reduced, thereby ensuring the internal contents remain undamaged.

From arms and ammunition to spare parts and regular supplies, ADCs are used to deliver cargo to ensure that personnel are not trapped or defenceless at sea in situations or places that are outside the immediate range of helicopter sorties.