DRDO Develops Lightest Bulletproof Jacket

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)  has developed the lightest bulletproof jacket in India. The jacket, designed by the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, offers protection against the highest threat level 6 as per BIS 17051 standards.

Key Features of lightest bulletproof jacket

• Provides protection against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition (Level 6 of BIS 17051)
• Utilizes a new design approach with novel materials and processes
• Front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) can withstand multiple hits (6 shots) from sniper rounds
• Ergonomically designed front HAP made of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing
• Enhances wearability and comfort during operations
• Areal density of ICW HAP is less than 40 kg/m2, and standalone HAP is less than 43 kg/m2

Testing and Validation

• Successfully tested at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
• Tested as per BIS 17051-2018 standards

Significance

• Provides enhanced protection for security personnel against high-level threats
• Lightest bulletproof jacket developed in India, improving mobility and comfort
• Demonstrates DRDO’s capabilities in developing advanced protective gear

About Bulletproof Jackets

• Bulletproof jackets are essential for the safety of military, paramilitary, and police forces.
• The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in the United States classifies body armor into five levels based on the type of ammunition it can protect against.
• India has been working on developing indigenous bulletproof jackets to reduce dependence on imports and enhance the safety of its security forces.
• DRDO has been at the forefront of developing various types of protective gear, including bulletproof jackets, helmets, and vehicles.

Key Facts

• Developing organization: DRDO-DMSRDE, Kanpur
• Protection level: Highest threat level 6 (BIS 17051)
• Ammunition protection: 7.62 x 54 R API
• Front HAP: Monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing
• Testing facility: Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
• Areal density: ICW HAP < 40 kg/m2, Standalone HAP < 43 kg/m2

About DRDO

DRDO is a key organization in India’s defense research & development.

• Established in 1958
• Responsible for developing critical defense technologies
• Highest threat level 6 protection (BIS 17051)
• Novel materials & processes used

Notable projects of DRDO

• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
• Agni and Prithvi missile systems
• Arjun battle tank
• Network of 50+ labs across India

The development of this lightest bulletproof jacket by DRDO is a great achievement in enhancing the safety and protection of India’s security forces while providing them with improved mobility and comfort during operations.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: Defence Current Affairs