India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled its latest innovation—lightweight bulletproof jackets designed to boost the safety of Indian soldiers, especially during counter-terrorism operations. These advanced jackets, known as ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat), offer an upgraded level of protection against some of the most dangerous threats soldiers face, including steel core bullets, often used by terrorists in Kashmir.
Why are These Bulletproof Jackets a Game Changer?
The terrain in Kashmir is a tough battlefield. Deep gorges, high mountains, and dense jungles make it difficult for Indian troops to maneuver while facing hidden enemies who often shoot from elevated or concealed positions. According to Major General Sanjay Soi (Retd), this makes the soldiers’ job even harder, as they have to carry heavy gear, which slows them down and makes them less agile.
The new lightweight bulletproof jackets aim to solve this problem. By reducing the weight soldiers carry, they improve mobility, allowing the troops to move quickly, stay flexible, and be more offensive during critical moments. In operations where the goal is to neutralize terrorists, speed and agility are key to survival.
Protection Against Deadly Bullets
One of the most important features of these ABHED jackets is their ability to protect soldiers from steel core bullets, a type of ammunition that can easily penetrate regular body armor. Terrorists in Kashmir have been known to use these bullets against Indian forces. With the new jackets, soldiers will have better protection for their upper body, groin, and neck—areas most vulnerable to gunfire. This makes the jackets especially useful when enemies launch surprise attacks from hidden spots in the rugged mountains or thick forests.
The development of these jackets is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the safety of Indian troops in dangerous regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorist tactics often involve quick, surprise strikes followed by retreat into the wilderness.
DRDO’s Expertise in Bulletproof Technology
Former DRDO scientist Ravi Gupta explained that the organization has spent years perfecting the materials and design for these bulletproof jackets. Made from advanced materials like polymers and boron carbide ceramic, the jackets offer well-rounded protection while being light enough for soldiers to wear comfortably for extended periods of time.
Gupta emphasized that these jackets not only provide protection but also allow soldiers to perform their duties efficiently without being weighed down. DRDO collaborated with top institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to develop this cutting-edge technology, showing their commitment to keeping Indian soldiers safe on the battlefield.
A Need for Lightweight Armor
DRDO has developed bulletproof jackets before, but there was a growing demand for even lighter protective gear. The ABHED jackets are the result of that demand, combining lightweight materials with advanced ballistic protection. These jackets will help Indian soldiers stay agile and better prepared for the harsh conditions they face, especially when fighting terrorists who use sophisticated weapons and hidden tactics.
The new ABHED bulletproof jackets are set to play a key role in strengthening India’s defense forces, offering much-needed protection in the dangerous terrains of Kashmir. By enhancing mobility, flexibility, and safety, these jackets could give Indian soldiers the edge they need in their ongoing fight against terrorism.
