The Indian Army is seeking to acquire 80,000 new ballistic helmets that provide greater protection against high-velocity bullets.
According to the service, the helmet must be capable of protecting troops from 7.62×39-millimeter mild steel core bullets at a range of 10 meters (32.8 feet). It must also lessen the impact of high-speed blast fragments from explosives.
Army officers explained that a 7.62-millimeter rifle bullet is more lethal than a nine-millimeter bullet fired from a pistol or submachine gun. The reported muzzle velocity of a 7.62-millimeter AK-47 assault rifle is 2,350 feet (716 meters) per second, almost twice the 1,312 feet (399 meters) per second speed of an MP-5 submachine gun bullet.
The protective gear should also incorporate tactical rails to attach additional equipment, including night vision devices, face visors, flashlights, and in-service radio communication sets.
The indigenous content of the helmet must be at least 50 percent.
“With the threat of 7.62×39-millimeter bullets to the troops, there is a need to induct ballistic helmets with higher protection parameters,” the request for proposals states, adding that the evolving threats along the country’s borders with China and Pakistan necessitate protection against high-speed rifle bullets and blast fragments.
Of the 80,000 ballistic helmets that the Indian army seeks to procure, 3,600 will be allocated for troops deployed on anti-terrorist operations.
