After over three decades of research and accumulation of data, Defence Research Development Establishment (DRDE) scientists have finalised Indian Standards. India will no longer be dependent on US and German standards anymore. The standard for protective clothing was released by DRDO director general of life sciences, Dr A K Singh in the presence of DRDE director (PM & SQR) and all lab directors of life sciences clusters.
Five types of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protective systems and equipment for troops have been devised — individual protective equipment, collective protection system, medical protection equipment, detection equipment and decontamination system.
DRDE is the primary establishment for studies in toxicology and biochemical pharmacology and development of antibodies against bacterial and viral agents. “Research is carried out on antibodies against chemical agent poisoning and heavy metal toxicology. Chemical agents such as sarin and nerve gas are produced in small quantities to test on protective equipment,” said a scientist.
Chemical and biological threat, posed by conventional as well as a new class of chemical warfare agent is an area of global concern for humankind and nature alike. Detection, protection and decontamination play a very critical and significant role combating chembio threats. For this, the armed forces need quality protective gear.
DRDE has developed many products and technologies to combat the chem-bio threat, and these have already been inducted into the services. The NBC Suit Mk-V is the latest.
