The BRICS TimesThe Army has successfully locally sourced 55 out of 57 essential mountaineering items for troops, marking a major shift towards self-reliance in defence logistics.
Major Step For Self-Reliance
The Indian Army has reached a huge goal in becoming self-reliant. They have indigenised 55 out of 57 Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items. These items are vital for troops in Super High Altitude Areas. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) shared this update.
Timeline For Completion
On Thursday, the ADG PI posted on X about this progress. The last two SCME items are currently being tested. Indian Army indigenisation efforts aim to finish these by 2026.
Official Statement on Progress
“The Indian Army continues to drive India’s journey towards Atmanirbharta and a Viksit Bharat @2047. In a major milestone, 55 of 57 Special Clothing & Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items for troops in Super High Altitude Areas have now been fully indigenised – a remarkable 97 per cent of the inventory. This not only enhances logistics resilience but also cuts import dependence. The remaining two items are under trials and will be indigenised by 2026,” ADG PI wrote.
New Combat Jacket Unveiled
The Army also praised the new three-layer combat coat. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi designed this New Coat Combat (Digital Print). This gear supports the Indian Army indigenisation mission significantly.
Design and Utility
ADG PI added, “Further strengthening operational capability, the Army introduced the New Coat Combat (Digital Print) in January 2025. Designed by NIFT New Delhi, this three-layered, ergonomically engineered jacket uses advanced technical textiles to boost soldier performance in diverse terrains.”
Strict Legal Protection
“The design is officially registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. Use of Indian Army uniform in any form by an unauthorised person is a punishable offence,” the X post read.
Intellectual Property Secured
On Wednesday, the Indian Army secured IP rights for the New Coat Combat. This garment uses smart textiles. Its design helps soldiers move easily in different weather conditions.
Registration Details
The Army registered the design with the Controller General in Kolkata. The application number is 449667-001, dated February 27, 2025. It appeared in the Patent Office Journal on October 7, 2025. Now, the Army owns the exclusive rights to this camouflage pattern.
Features of the Gear
The New Coat Combat set has an outer layer, an inner jacket, and a thermal layer. This innovation proves the success of Indian Army indigenisation in recent years.
Layer Breakdown
“The outer layer is a digitally printed camouflage coat designed for operational durability and concealment in varied terrains. Inner Jacket: Insulated mid-layer using lightweight, breathable materials providing warmth without restricting movement. Thermal Layer: Base layer ensuring optimal thermal regulation and moisture control in extreme weather,” an official release issued by the Ministry of Defence said.
