India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the development of a lightweight bulletproof jacket that reportedly provides 360-degree protection to soldiers.
Named the Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat (ABHED), the equipment is made from polymers and boron carbide ceramic materials for enhanced ballistic resistance.
It features modular armor plates on both the front and rear, ensuring comprehensive protection from all angles.
For optimal mobility, the jacket weighs a mere 8.2 kilograms (18 pounds), well within the weight limit prescribed by the Indian Army.
When worn, the vest offers a high level of protection against various gun calibers, making it suitable for demanding defense missions.
Product of Extensive Research
According to the DRDO, the ABHED is the result of extensive research conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi.
The development phase included characterizing materials under high strain rates and conducting sophisticated modeling and simulation exercises.
The jacket’s armor plates also underwent rigorous trials to ensure protection against high impacts.
India’s Ministry of Defence said three local firms have been shortlisted for technology transfer and eventual full-rate production.
Once deployed, the ABHED is expected to improve the protection and mobility of Indian soldiers and mark another significant success in the government’s “Make in India” initiative.