India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has developed advanced lightweight Bulletproof ABHED Jackets, ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat). These jackets provide enhanced protection while maintaining a lighter weight, making them more efficient for soldiers in the field.
Key Features of Bulletproof ABHED Jackets
- Material and Design
- The ABHED jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic materials.
- The design is based on high-strain-rate characterization, followed by simulations in collaboration with DRDO.
- These jackets provide 360-degree protection with modular front and rear armor plates.
- Weight and Protection Levels
- The jackets are available in two versions:
- BIS Level 5: Weighing 8 kg, designed to protect against 8 AK-47 hardened steel core bullets.
- BIS Level 6: Weighing 9.3 kg, offering protection from sniper bullets and other high-powered ammunition.
- The minimum weight of the jackets is 8.2 kgs for BIS Level 5 and 9.5 kgs for BIS Level 6.
- The jackets are available in two versions:
- Technological Advancements
- The armor plates passed rigorous R&D trials to meet the highest threat levels.
- The jackets are designed to meet the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements.
- They provide a protection area of approximately 3400 cm².
Why These Jackets Were Developed
ABHED jackets were developed to improve the protection and mobility of Indian soldiers. The lightweight design allows soldiers to move with greater ease while still being protected from high-threat weapons, such as AK-47s and sniper bullets. The jackets are the result of a collaboration between DRDO and IIT Delhi, utilizing advanced materials and modern design techniques to address the needs of the Indian Armed Forces.
Impact and Benefits of Bulletproof ABHED Jackets
The development of lightweight Bulletproof ABHED Jackets marks a significant step in enhancing the safety of soldiers in combat situations. These jackets provide better protection without compromising mobility, reducing the overall burden on soldiers in high-threat environments. By using indigenous materials, the jackets also contribute to India’s goal of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Goals of the Development
The primary goal of this development is to provide Indian soldiers with state-of-the-art protective gear that is both lightweight and highly effective. The ABHED jackets are designed to:
- Enhance soldier safety.
- Reduce weight while maintaining high levels of protection.
- Support India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem by utilizing indigenous materials.
Key Summary
- DRDO and IIT Delhi have developed Bulletproof ABHED Jackets, made from polymers and boron carbide ceramic.
- The jackets offer 360-degree protection and meet the highest threat levels.
- Weighing between 8 and 9.5 kgs, these jackets provide advanced protection while being lighter than previous versions.
- The jackets have passed strict R&D trials and meet the Indian Army’s standards.
Key Specifications of ABHED Jackets
| Feature | BIS Level 5 | BIS Level 6 |
| Weight | 8 kg | 9.3 kg |
| Front Armor Protection | Defeats 8 AK-47 steel core bullets | Defeats 6 sniper bullets |
| Back and Side Protection | Protects against SLR and AK-47 bullets | Protects against Dragunov API and AK-47 bullets |
| Protection Area | ~3400 cm² | ~3400 cm² |
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ABHED stands for Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat.
The jackets are made from polymers and boron carbide ceramic material.
ABHED jackets provide protection against AK-47 bullets, sniper bullets, and other high-threat ammunition
The jackets weigh 8 kg for BIS Level 5 and 9.3 kg for BIS Level 6.
The jackets were developed by DRDO in collaboration with IIT Delhi.