The Indian Army announced that 55 of 57 special clothing and mountaineering equipment (SCME) items used in super high-altitude areas are now fully indigenised, marking a significant milestone in reducing import dependency.
The remaining two items are currently undergoing trials and are expected to be fully localised by 2026.
Designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the combat coat features a three-layer ergonomic structure made with advanced technical textiles, enhancing soldier comfort, mobility, and thermal protection across extreme terrains.
After securing full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the design and camouflage pattern, the Indian Army now holds exclusive ownership and legal protection against unauthorised manufacturing or misuse, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding indigenous military innovation.