The Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) developed the jacket that offers protection against the highest threat level 6, as per BIS 17051-2018 standards.The jacket’s design incorporates novel materials and processes, resulting in its lightweight construction.
A ministry of defence press released stated that, “DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition.
The bulletproof jacket was tested at TBRL, Chandigarh, where it successfully withstood multiple hits (six shots) of 7.62×54 R API (sniper rounds) ammunition in both in-conjunction with (ICW) and standalone designs. The front hard armour panel (HAP) of the jacket is ergonomically designed, featuring a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing for enhanced wearability and comfort during operations.
“Recently, this bullet proof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per BIS 17051-2018. This jacket is based upon new design approach, where novel material along with new processes have been used. The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits (06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and Standalone design. The ergonomically designed front HAP is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances the wearability and comfort during the operation. The areal density of ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively,” the statement further revealed.
The DRDO chairman and secretary of the Department of Defence R&D commended DMSRDE “for the successful development of this lightest bullet proof jacket for protection against highest threat level”.
(With agency inputs)