Indian Army Nears Full Atmanirbharta in High-Altitude Gear; New Digital Combat Coat Boosts Soldier Safety in the Himalayas
Leh/Shimla/New Delhi:
The Indian Army has achieved a major breakthrough in indigenising gear for high-altitude troops.
A total of 55 out of 57 Special Clothing & Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items are now fully made in India.
This covers almost 97% of the inventory used in Super High Altitude Areas.
These items include essential gear such as high-altitude boots, glacier tents, layered clothing and extreme cold sleeping bags.
The remaining two items are still under trials.
They are expected to be fully indigenised by 2026.
For soldiers posted in Ladakh, Siachen and other Himalayan frontlines, this change brings major relief.
Indigenous gear means faster supply and fewer delays in harsh winters.
It also ensures designs tailored to Indian terrain and soldier needs.
In places where temperatures dip below –40°C, every layer of protection matters.
New Digital Combat Coat Introduced
The Army introduced a new Digital-Print Combat Coat in January 2025.
It has been designed by NIFT, New Delhi.
The jacket uses three-layer technical textiles for better insulation.
It is ergonomically engineered to allow more mobility.
The design is officially registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.
The new coat improves camouflage and performance in diverse Himalayan terrains.
Warning on Misuse of Uniform
The Army has issued a strict reminder.
Using the Indian Army uniform without authorisation is a punishable offence.
These developments are crucial for soldiers serving in some of the world’s toughest weather conditions.
They also push India closer to its long-term goal of self-reliance in defence gear.
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