DRDO: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have joined forces with industry partners to advance indigenous defence technologies.
Multiple Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) were signed during the DRDO-Industry-Academia event, DIA-GARIMA, held on December 19, 2024, at IIT Delhi. As per APACNewsnetwork,Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present for the occasion, alongside DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee, and industry representatives.
These technologies, developed by the DRDO Industry Academia-Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, address critical challenges faced by soldiers in the field.
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The government has transferred these innovations to several industries for further development, strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The details of the MoUs signed are as follows:
1. Transfer of Technology of Light Weight Bullet Resistant Jacket (ABHED- Advanced Ballistic High Energy Defeat) to:
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MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam), Rohtak
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SMPP Pvt Ltd, Delhi
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AR Polymers (MKU)- Kanpur
2. Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for Development of Indigenous Ballistic Material with Reliance Industries Ltd.
3. MoA for limited series production of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing with:
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Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance, Delhi
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Arnaf Industries Ltd
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Arrow Garments, Tirupur
4. MoA for limited series production of Extreme Heat Protective Clothing with:
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Arrow Garments, Tirupur
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Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance, Delhi
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Katalyst TECHTEX Ltd, Delhi
The ABHED body armour, developed recently in collaboration with IIT Delhi researchers led by Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar, is a breakthrough in protective gear for soldiers. Created at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, these innovative jackets utilize polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material, offering superior protection with reduced weight.
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Modular Armour Jacket Design Process: 360 degree protection
The design process included characterizing materials under high strain rates and refining them through modeling and simulation in partnership with DRDO. The armour plates, tested rigorously, meet the highest threat levels while being lighter than the weight limits specified by the Indian Army. According to the new Indian express, with weights of 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS protection levels, the modular jackets provide 360-degree protection with front and rear armour plates.
These jackets are ready for large-scale production, with technology set to be transferred to three selected Indian industries for manufacturing. This innovation marks a significant step toward enhancing soldier safety while maintaining mobility.
