ABHED Bulletproof Jackets: India’s Next-Gen Defence Gear Developed By DRDO And IIT Delhi

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi have jointly developed the ABHED light weight bullet proof Jackets for the use of Indian armed forces.

What is ABHED?

ABHED stands for Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat and is a lightweight bulletproof jacket designed to provide high-level ballistic protection while remaining modular and relatively lightweight.

These jackets weigh between 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg, depending on the protection level as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and are within the weight limits set by the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

Material and Design

The ABHED jackets are constructed from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic materials, known for their high hardness and lightweight properties.

This combination offers superior protection against high-energy threats, while the design focuses on reducing the strain on the wearer by optimising weight distribution.

The development involved extensive material characterisation at high strain rates and the use of modelling and simulation tools to ensure the jacket's effectiveness.

Protection and Modularity

The key feature of the ABHED jacket is its 360-degree protection. It provides front and rear armour, safeguarding soldiers from various directions during combat.

The jacket meets high-threat ballistic standards, meaning it can resist advanced ammunition types used in modern warfare.

Despite its advanced protection, the jacket remains light, modular, and comfortable for long-term use in the field.

Research and Development

The jacket was developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, which was set up to foster collaboration between academia and defence research entities.

This initiative is part of a larger programme by DRDO to create cutting-edge defence technologies in India, promoting indigenous innovations and reducing dependence on foreign imports for critical military equipment.

Industrial Collaboration

In a move to make the ABHED jacket available on a larger scale, DRDO has shortlisted several Indian industries for the Transfer of Technology (ToT).

The DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) is now ready to transfer the technology to three industries.

Also Read: Indian Mountaineering Team Scales Unnamed Peak In Arunachal, Names It After Sixth Dalai Lama; China Irked