DRDO and IIT Delhi Develop Lightweight Bulletproof Jackets ‘ABHED’ for Indian Army

New Delhi: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has developed lightweight bulletproof jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat). These jackets, created at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, are set to provide enhanced protection to Indian soldiers while reducing the burden of weight.

The ABHED jackets are crafted from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material, making them not only effective but also lighter than conventional bulletproof jackets. The design and configuration of these jackets were achieved through high strain rate material characterization, followed by detailed modeling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO experts.

The armor plates have successfully passed all necessary research and development trials, adhering to protocols and meeting the highest threat levels. Notably, the jackets weigh 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS levels, ensuring they remain under the weight limits stipulated by the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements. Designed with modular components, the jackets offer 360-degree protection with front and rear armor plates.

Several Indian industries have been shortlisted for Transfer of Technology (ToT) and handholding, with the Centre preparing to transfer this breakthrough technology to three selected companies. This will allow mass production of these advanced jackets for deployment across the armed forces.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the DIA-CoE on the achievement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and DRDO in creating cutting-edge defense solutions. He noted that the ABHED bulletproof jacket is a prime example of this synergy.

The DIA-CoE, established in 2022, is a restructured version of the Joint Advanced Technology Center at IIT Delhi. It has been actively engaged in defense R&D projects involving DRDO scientists, academic researchers, and industry partners, pushing the boundaries of technology for India’s defense ecosystem.