Indian Army Secures IPR for New Digital-Print Coat Combat, Marks Leap in Modernisation

The Army’s focus on design protection signals a future where Indian combat equipment will increasingly be composed of indigenous designs, fabrics, and technologies.

The Indian Army has taken another major stride in its ongoing modernisation and indigenisation drive with the formal introduction of the New Coat Combat (Digital Print) in January 2025. Following the rollout of the New Combat Uniform in 2022, this upgraded three-layered combat ensemble represents a significant advancement in soldier protection, mobility, and operational efficiency.

Developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, as a specialised consultancy project under the Army Design Bureau (ADB), the New Coat Combat blends state-of-the-art textile technology with ergonomic military design. This innovation underscores the Army’s commitment to equipping soldiers with world-class gear tailored specifically for India’s diverse terrains and climatic challenges.

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Indian Army Achieves Exclusive Intellectual Property Rights

A major milestone in this initiative is the Army’s successful registration of the New Coat Combat’s design and camouflage pattern with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Kolkata. The registration—Design Application No. 449667-001, dated 27 February 2025 and published on 07 October 2025—grants the Indian Army full ownership and legal protection over the design.

This registration ensures:

• Exclusive rights to manufacture and reproduce the combat coat

• Protection against unauthorised commercial use or imitation

• Legal recourse under the Designs Act, 2000, Designs Rules, 2001, and relevant provisions of the Patents Act, 1970

• Clear recognition of the Indian Army as the sole creator and proprietor of the digital camouflage design

Any violation—including piracy, unauthorised sale, or reproduction—will attract strict legal action, including injunctions and claims for damages.

The move reflects the Army’s increasing focus on intellectual property protection, safeguarding innovations that strengthen operational readiness and defence self-reliance.

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A High-Performance Three-Layer Combat System

The New Coat Combat represents a dramatic evolution over previous combat clothing systems, integrating advanced technical fabrics and functional layering for enhanced performance.

1. Outer Layer: Digitally Printed Camouflage Combat Coat

• Features the Army’s proprietary digital camouflage pattern

• Designed to maximise concealment across jungle, desert, and mountainous terrains

• Built with abrasion-resistant, quick-dry, and lightweight technical textiles

• Enhances comfort during long-duration operations and varied threat environments

2. Inner Jacket: Lightweight Insulated Mid-Layer

• Provides warmth during cold-weather deployment

• Breathable, anti-sweat materials ensure comfort during high-mobility missions

• Offers flexibility without restricting arm or torso movement

3. Thermal Layer: High-Performance Base Layer

• Maintains temperature regulation in extreme climates

• Ensures moisture-wicking and fast evaporation

• Designed for extended-wear comfort under ballistic gear

Together, these layers offer enhanced thermal regulation, improved mobility, superior moisture control, and increased durability—a significant upgrade aligned with modern battlefield requirements.

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Designed by NIFT, Built for India’s Frontline Warriors

NIFT—the premier design and textile innovation institute—developed the Coat Combat through extensive research into:

• Soldier comfort and anthropometry

• Fabric behaviour under extreme conditions

• Operational mobility requirements

• Climate adaptability across India’s varied theatres

• Camouflage efficacy against modern surveillance systems

The collaboration highlights the Army’s growing engagement with India’s scientific and design institutions to boost indigenous innovation.

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Strengthening Soldier Welfare and the Army’s Future-Ready Vision

The new Coat Combat is part of the Army’s larger transformational roadmap under the ‘Decade of Transformation 2023–2032’, which focuses on:

• Soldier-centric modernisation

• Indigenous manufacturing

• Design innovation

• Digital warfare preparedness

• Integrated combat systems

The upgraded clothing system improves operational comfort across Siachen-like extreme cold, Northeastern jungles, Thar desert conditions, and high-altitude posts along the Northern borders.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Innovation

The IPR registration reinforces India’s defence indigenisation efforts by:

• Reducing dependence on foreign clothing systems

• Providing secure ownership of military designs

• Encouraging Indian textile and garment industries to adopt defence-grade standards

• Ensuring compliance with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives

The Army’s focus on design protection signals a future where Indian combat equipment will increasingly be composed of indigenous designs, fabrics, and technologies.

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A New Benchmark in Military Apparel

The introduction of the New Coat Combat marks a turning point in military clothing innovation in India. With enhanced comfort, improved durability, advanced camouflage, and internationally benchmarked design, the Indian Army has set a new standard for future protective gear.

By combining indigenous research, cutting-edge textile science, and robust design principles, the Army is empowering soldiers with equipment that meets the demands of modern warfare—while showcasing India’s growing leadership in defence innovation.