The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has collaborated with researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Together, they have successfully developed a new generation of bulletproof jackets. These are called ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets. These jackets are designed to provide maximum protection with minimum weight, making them easier to wear during military operations.
ABHED stands for Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat. It is crafted from polymers and locally sourced boron carbide ceramic material. The jackets are the result of extensive research. They are also the product of modeling and simulation. This was carried out by the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi.
The armor plates used in these jackets have passed all the required trials and meet the highest threat level standards. The jackets are lighter than the weight limits set by the Indian Army, weighing between 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg depending on the protection level. These modular-design jackets provide 360-degree protection, ensuring safety for soldiers from all directions.
Several Indian industries have been shortlisted for transferring the technology to mass-produce these jackets. Three companies are ready for handover.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, praised the collaboration between DRDO, IIT Delhi, and the industry. He highlighted the importance of the ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets. He used them as an example of successful defense research and development.
The DIA-CoE was established in 2022 to strengthen the partnership between academia, industry, and defense in developing advanced technologies.
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