New Delhi: The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone by securing exclusive design rights for its new digital-print combat coat. This coat is not just a piece of uniform—it represents a blend of advanced materials, smart design and make in India innovation. The registration of the design gives the Army legal protection and marks a strong step towards modernising and indigenising defence equipment.
Background of Indian Army Digital Combat Coat
Defence uniforms are more than just clothing—they need to be strong, comfortable, suitable for different environments and help soldiers perform better. The Army’s new digital-print combat coat was designed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, under the umbrella of the Army Design Bureau.
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The design was registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Kolkata, under Design Application No. 449667-001, dated 27 February 2025 and published in the official journal on 7 October 2025.
What is Indian Army Digital Combat Coat
The uniform is a three-layer garment: an outer layer, an inner jacket, and a thermal layer. This structure is meant to improve comfort, mobility, and performance in diverse and often harsh conditions.
It uses advanced technical textiles and an ergonomic design tailored for operational efficiency. The digital-print camouflage pattern is also a part of the design rights.
Key Details of the Design Rights
1. Exclusive ownership: With registration, the Indian Army holds sole rights over the design and camouflage pattern. This means no unauthorised manufacturing, reproduction, or commercial use by others.
2. Legal protection: Any infringement may lead to legal action under the Designs Act, 2000, the Designs Rules, 2001 and the Patents Act, 1970.
3. Indigenisation and self-reliance: The move strengthens India’s push for defence equipment manufactured within the country—part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Significance of Indian Army Digital Combat Coat for Defence & Soldiers
Modernisation of gear: The introduction of this coat adds a modern uniform to the army’s wardrobe. It addresses comfort, operational efficiency and comfort in different climates and terrain—for example high-altitude or extreme weather zones.
Boost to domestic design and manufacturing: By securing IPR, the Indian Army is signalling a shift away from imported designs and strengthening domestic fabric, textile and design capabilities. This helps reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Protection of innovation: Owning the design rights means the Army can control how and where the uniform is manufactured and used. This safeguards the investment into design and development. It prevents poor‐quality copies that could undermine soldier safety.
Looking Ahead
The formal registration is a step; next comes wider production, manufacturing, and deployment of this coat to soldiers in different terrains. Also, the Army may roll out other indigenously designed uniforms or gear based on what they learn from this. This design sets a precedent for future equipment too.
