DRDO Develops India’s Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully developing the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country.

This innovative jacket offers protection against the formidable 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition, classified as Level 6 of BIS 17051 standards. Recently, the bulletproof jacket underwent rigorous testing at TBRL, Chandigarh, in accordance with BIS 17051-2018 standards, demonstrating its exceptional capabilities.

The development of this cutting-edge bulletproof jacket marks a significant departure from conventional approaches. Leveraging novel materials and advanced processes, DRDO’s DMSRDE has devised a new design paradigm to achieve unprecedented levels of protection while ensuring lightweight and ergonomic design.

At the core of this revolutionary jacket is the front Hard Armour Panel (HAP), engineered to withstand multiple hits (up to 06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API Sniper rounds. The HAP, designed for both In-conjunction with (ICW) and Standalone configurations, boasts a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing. This innovative composition not only enhances protection but also significantly improves wearability and comfort for personnel during operations.

Remarkably, the areal density of the ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) stands at less than 40 kg/m2, while the standalone HAP weighs less than 43 kg/m2, setting new benchmarks in lightweight ballistic protection.

Secretary Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO extended heartfelt congratulations to DMSRDE for this groundbreaking achievement.