Indian soldiers will now enjoy better mobility while wearing bulletproof jackets. As per the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a new vest has been successfully developed, which apart from being the ‘lightest’, will also provide protection from Level 6 of BIS, or the highest level of threat.
The indigenous bullet proof jacket was designed by the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a PIB release said on April 23.
The said jacket will provide protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. “Recently, this bullet proof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per BIS 17051-2018,” the release read.
The DRDO said that the vest was made using novel material and new processes. “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,” it stated.
Designed ergonomically, the front HAP is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing. This enhances the wearability and comfort, making movements easier for soldiers. “The areal density of ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively,” the release added.