Bulletproof Jackets Designed for the Indian Army Could Save Rs. 20,000 Crores!

For the first time in 70 years, Indian Army personnel will be equipped with bulletproof jackets manufactured completely by homegrown technology.

Designed by Professor Dr. Shantanu Bhowmick, Head of Department of Aerospace Engineering at Coimbatore-based Amrita University, the jacket has passed the test of approval from the Ministry of Defence.

Falling under the ‘Make in India’ project, the jacket was designed using indigenous technology, involving lightweight thermoplastics.

The current expenditure for each jacket used by military and paramilitary services is around INR1.5 lakh and are imported from the United States.

The project, once given the green signal by the PM’s Office, will involve a joint partnership between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Defence Ministry. Each of Dr. Bhowmick’s jackets is expected to cost about ₹50,000, according to TOI.
The move could help India save INR 20,000 crore every year.

The perks of the new jacket will be its weight and air conditioning ability. The present ones that are worn by all personnel belonging the Army, BSF, CRPF and Police are very heavy at around 15-18 kg.

Weighing around 1.5 kg, the new lightweight jackets with its 20 layers lined with carbon fibre, will enable our folks in uniform to work in extreme harsh temperatures extending up to 57 degrees Celsius as well.
According to TOI, Professor Bhowmick is elated about his invention gaining official approval and thanked former Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Subrata Saha, who had played a role in encouraging Bhowmick. He also dedicated his invention to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
via BetterIndia