A small reason for the Army to celebrate. At last a contract to procure 1.86 lakh bulletproof jackets (BPJ) has been signed. While this comes nine years after the demand was initially made, it is still being celebrated.
In keeping with the central government’s ‘Make in India’ thrust, an Indian manufacturer will make these jackets. A Delhi-based manufacturer called SMPP Private Limited has bagged the contract.
SMPP Manufacturers bagged the contract after several rounds of ‘field trials’.
They do have some experience in the field, as they have been supplying bulletproof solutions to the air force, naval commandos and paramilitary forces.
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The specifications given by the Army included that the jackets not only be light-weight but also adequately protect the head, neck, chest, groin and sides of foot-soldiers as well as allow them to move with greater agility during counter-insurgency operations in difficult terrains.
We, at The Better India, spoke to Mr S C Kansal, Chairman SMPP Private Limited. He says, “This is a unique bulletproof jacket in that it is not only lightweight but can also defeat multiple bullet firings. The use of Boron Carbide Ceramic ensures that they remain the lightest weight ballistic protection gear.”
“Up until now one had to import these, but now we have our own manufacturing unit here,” he says.
SMPP is also credited with being the only manufacturers in India making jackets with these and nanotechnology features.
While the first batch of jackets is scheduled to be delivered in the next two-three months, SMPP has been awarded the contract for a period of three years.
The contracted bulletproof jackets have additional protection levels, the Army said. “These BPJs have modular parts, thereby providing immense protection and flexibility to soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from long distance patrolling to high-risk room intervention scenarios. The new BPJs will provide 360-degree protection to the soldier in combat, including from the latest hard steel core bullets,” the Army said as reported by Economic Times.
(Edited By Vinayak Hegde)
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