In a significant achievement towards the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), officials confirmed that a C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully airdropped an indigenously developed heavy platform capable of carrying a maximum load exceeding 22 tonnes.
This milestone, marking a leap forward in indigenous defence capabilities, was announced by the Indian Air Force, highlighting the successful trial of an extra-long and heavy platform developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).
The platform, designed to carry approximately 45,000 pounds of load, was air-dropped during trials from an IAF C-17 aircraft, showcasing the prowess of indigenous research and technology in defence development.
The ADRDE, known as a premier defence research laboratory, has played a pivotal role in this achievement, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The successful trial signifies a significant enhancement in the combat capabilities of the C-17 aircraft, enabling it to effectively air-deliver critical loads to troops on the ground. With the capacity to carry multiple such platforms, the C-17 aircraft’s versatility in various missions is further bolstered, ensuring efficient support to ground forces in diverse operational scenarios.