Technology for the Advanced Ballistics High Energy (ABHED) body armor jointly developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been transferred to three companies. The lightweight jacket weighs at least 30% (9 kg) less than an ordinary bulletproof jacket and its technology has been transferred to Midhani (Rohtak), SMPP Pvt Ltd (Delhi) and AR Polymers (Kanpur).
Designed to meet BIS Level V and VI standards, the jacket provides advanced ballistic protection while significantly enhancing the soldier’s mobility.
Main features
Revolutionary bulletproof panels
This ballistic jacket stands out for its state-of-the-art ballistic panels made of advanced composite materials. These panels offer unparalleled protection while maintaining a lightweight design, a significant improvement over traditional steel or ceramic panels.
Materials used include ceramic layers, which fracture or deform the bullet on impact, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) layers, which absorb and dissipate bullet energy, preventing penetration.
The plates are also modular, allowing for customization for specific missions, and are capable of withstanding multiple hits, remaining effective during sustained fire.
Multi-caliber protection
The plates are capable of withstanding bullets from a variety of high-velocity firearms, including 7.62mm bullets from AK-47s and sniper rifles, 5.56mm bullets from standard assault rifles, and 9mm bullets from handguns and submachine guns.
This multi-caliber protection ensures the jacket can adapt to a variety of combat scenarios, from urban warfare to sniper engagements.
Lightweight, mobile-driven design
The jacket weighs only 9 kg, which is 20-30% lighter than the old model which weighed between 11 and 14 kg. This lighter design enhances soldier mobility, allowing troops to more easily conduct high-risk operations without being weighed down by heavy equipment.
The jacket’s modular design offers customized protection, including front and back panels to protect the torso during high-risk missions, side panels that cover key areas such as ribs and abdomen, and additional protection during special operations Optional groin and neck shields.
Ballistic panels can withstand multiple hits without losing effectiveness, ensuring soldiers are protected during intense firefights.
Rigorous testing and certification
The panels undergo extensive testing to ensure battlefield reliability, such as live-fire testing, weather resistance and blast resistance.
For soldiers in high-risk areas like Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the ABHED jacket can be a game-changer. In addition to protecting against gunfire, these plates can reduce blunt force trauma, a common risk from bullet impacts.
“The ABHED system is a major step forward in soldier protection. Its multi-strike capabilities, lightweight design and adaptability make it a valuable asset in modern combat,” a defense source said.
Future innovations
Ballistic jackets have paved the way for advancements in ballistic protection. Future developments include the integration of next-generation composite materials to further reduce weight and improve durability. Research is also underway on self-healing materials, which can repair surface damage and extend the life of the plates.
With this cutting-edge technology, India has strengthened its commitment to equip its armed forces with world-class protective equipment, ensuring maximum safety of soldiers on duty.