DRDO and IIT Delhi Develop Lightweight Bulletproof Jackets 'ABHED' for Indian Army

In a major step towards mass production, DRDO is ready to transfer the technology to three selected Indian industries, following an extensive selection process.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has successfully developed a new generation of lightweight bulletproof jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat). These innovative jackets were designed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) located at IIT Delhi.

The ABHED jackets are made using polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic materials. The design is based on extensive material characterization at high strain rates, followed by precise modelling and simulation, in close collaboration with DRDO. The armour plates integrated into the jackets have undergone rigorous R&D trials, meeting all required protocols and standards.

The jackets offer 360-degree protection while remaining lighter than the Indian Army's stipulated weight limits for body armour. Weighing just 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS threat levels, these modular jackets are designed to provide both front and rear protection.

In a major step towards mass production, DRDO is ready to transfer the technology to three selected Indian industries, following an extensive selection process.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the DIA-CoE team on this achievement. He highlighted that the development of ABHED exemplifies a successful collaboration between DRDO, academia, and industry in advancing India’s defense capabilities.

Formed in 2022, the DIA-CoE was established to enhance defense research and development through industry-academia partnerships. It has been actively involved in cutting-edge defense projects, bringing together DRDO scientists, academic experts, and industry professionals to create advanced technologies for national security.