The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday announced the development of India’s lightest bulletproof jacket, capable of providing protection against the highest level of threats.

Developed by the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, the jacket can withstand 7.62 mm ammunition, meeting Level 6—the highest threat level specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

According to the Ministry of Defence, the jacket underwent rigorous testing at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of the jacket has demonstrated the capability to withstand multiple hits (up to 06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API (sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and standalone designs, the ministry said.

The ergonomically designed front HAP consists of a monolithic ceramic plate with a polymer backing, enhancing wearability and comfort during operations. The areal density of the ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively, it added.

(With ANI inputs)