Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed lightweight bulletproof jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).

Key points: 

• The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi

• These jackets have been created from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. 

• The design configuration is based on characterisation of various materials at high strain rate followed by appropriate modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.

• The armour plates for the jackets have passed all necessary R&D trials as per the protocols. 

• The jackets meet the highest threat levels, and are lighter than the maximum weight limits stipulated in respective General Staff Qualitative Requirement of the Indian Army. 

• With minimum possible weight of 8.2 kgs and 9.5 kgs for different BIS Levels, these modular-design jackets having front & rear armours provide 360o protection.

• Based on the selection-criteria matrix, some Indian industries were shortlisted for Transfer of Technology and handholding. The Centre is ready to transfer the technology to three industries.

• The DIA-CoE was formed by modifying the Joint Advanced Technology Center of DRDO at IIT Delhi in 2022 to involve Industry and Academia for defence R&D. It has been actively pursuing various projects on advanced technologies, involving DRDO scientists, academic researchers & industry partners.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)