DRDO And IIT Delhi Launch Lightweight ABHED Bulletproof Jackets For Soldiers

In a remarkable advancement for defence technology, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have unveiled ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat), a new line of lightweight bulletproof jackets. This innovative collaboration, realized at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, represents a significant leap forward in soldier protection.

The ABHED jackets are constructed using state-of-the-art polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramics, which deliver superior protection while being lighter than conventional body armour. Designed for maximum safety, these jackets feature a modular design that provides 360° protection with both front and rear armour plates, meeting the stringent threat levels defined by the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

Weighing only 8.2 kg for BIS Level III and 9.5 kg for BIS Level IV, the jackets are engineered for both comfort and resilience, having successfully completed all necessary research and development trials. The design process included extensive material characterization at high strain rates, utilizing advanced modeling and simulation techniques in collaboration with DRDO.

The DIA-CoE, established in 2022, aims to enhance cooperation among DRDO, academic institutions and industry partners to drive innovation in defence technologies. With the ABHED jackets now ready for mass production, the Centre is poised to transfer technology to three selected Indian industries.

This achievement highlights the growing strength of India’s defence R&D ecosystem, increasingly focused on developing homegrown solutions. Dr Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, commended this collaborative effort, emphasizing its significance in ensuring the safety of Indian soldiers through the provision of lighter, yet highly effective protective gear.