Context: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the IIT Delhi, has developed new ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat) which is Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket.

About ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets

• Light Weight: Designed as lightweight bulletproof jackets.

• Material Composition:

• Created using polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.

• These materials have been characterised under high strain rates, followed by modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.

• Design and Features:

• The jackets are modular in design, with front and rear armours offering 360-degree protection.

• Lightweight with different configurations for BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) levels:

• 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg depending on the BIS level.

• Lighter than the maximum weight stipulated by the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirement.

• Performance and Testing:

• The armour plates have passed all required R&D trials.

• The jackets meet the highest threat level standards.

Transfer of Technology

• Industry Selection:

• Based on a selection-criteria matrix, several Indian industries were shortlisted for technology transfer.

• 3 industries are ready to receive the technology, ensuring broader production and deployment.

Significance:

• The development of ABHED exemplifies a successful collaboration between academia, defence R&D, and industry, enhancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

• The DIA-CoE, established by DRDO in 2022 at IIT Delhi, plays a key role in fostering industry-academia partnerships for advanced defence technology development.