Indian Soldiers Gets the "Made in India" Bullet Proof Helmets

After a decades-long wait, finally, Indian Army soldiers will be getting high-quality head protection gear that is lightweight and even protects against AK-47 bullet strikes. The new "Made in India" Bullet Proof Helmets were the first major contract for modern composite helmets placed under the Make in India initiative. Notably, the contract between Kanpur-based MKU Ltd and the Ministry of Defence was signed during the tenure of the then defence minister Late Manohar Parrikkar in 2016. The contract was for 1,58,279 Bullet Proof Helmets (BPH).

The new Bullet Proof Helmets will be replacing the ‘Bulletproof Patka’ that the soldiers in the Indian Army have been using since the 1990s. This was a sheet of armored steel which was wrapped in canvas and was circular in shape.

The new helmets are capable of protecting the soldier from the AK-47 bullets which fly at twice the speed of sound, and the kinetic energy it delivers causes huge trauma on those who are wearing body armor and helmets. Around 55,000 of the 1.58 lakh BPHs are equipped with communication systems to be used by commanders. There will be support for various accessories including the visors, face shields, and night vision goggles. It can protect the soldier against Mild Steel Core and Hard Steel Core bullets from 10 meters of the AK-47’s 7.62×39 mm. 

The Indian Army has got these new hi-tech helmets after over two decades. The delivery of the order was completed over a span of three years. The helmets were selected after undergoing extensive user and ballistic trials by the Indian Army in all types of terrains and firing trials.

MKU has successfully executed export orders for helmets from Chile, the Philippines, Singapore, Egypt, and Nepal. In stiff competition from the Chinese company, the export order from Nepal was the first for an Indian company.

What is Special About MKU Bullet Proof Helmets?

1. Comfortable, Light Weight, and With a Snug Fit.

2. Weight depends on the size which varies from 1.2 kg to 1.4 kg

3. Especially designed to provide low trauma to provide protection from head injuries

4. Perfect for Long Duration Usage

5. Use of High-Quality Materials 

Helmets in the Indian Army

In the 90s when the Army was deployed to fight insurgency in J & K, the soldiers were equipped with 1974 model fiberglass helmets. These were not adequate enough to protect the soldiers against flying bullets and splinters.

The `Patka’ like helmets designed by former Major General VK Datta in the early 1990s, was the low-cost option used for protecting the soldier wearing them. It was not enough in preventing injuries due to blunt trauma and the top portion was open.