The need to protect military personnel, infrastructure, and assets has increased to rising lethality of weapons and acts of terrorism. Advanced materials and technologies, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence-based surveillance and detection systems are driving modernisation requirements.

The subject will be discussed at the Force Protection India 2023 seminar being organised on 9 May 2023.

Perimeter Protection

Perimeter protection is provided by various types of fences made of barbed wire of chain link or both, (galvanized or zinc coated) made of steel or Aluminum.

The terrorist attacks at Pathankot Air Base (2 Jan 2016), Uri Brigade HQ (18 Sep 2016) and Nagrota Corps HQ (29 Nov 2016) prompted the Armed Forces to draw up elaborate plans for protection of their assets.

The traditional perimeter security platforms have been replaced by advanced perimeter security platforms with the use of advanced technologies, such as AI, ML, computer vision and facial recognition.

Intruder Detection

Intruder Detection at installations and bases requires a number of measures. These include camouflage and concealment, physical security measures using security cameras, motion sensors and alarms. Access control measures for important buildings include such as keycard systems and biometric scanners.

Implementing physical security measures such as barriers, roadblocks, and checkpoints can help prevent intruders into a secure area.

Smart fences are used in conjunction with different detection systems to suit terrains and conditions, with drones, thermal cameras and night vision equipment to detect and respond swiftly deliver effective results.

Border Infiltration

Infiltration by terrorists across land borders can be reduced by installing surveillance equipment such as cameras and sensors to detect and deter terrorist infiltration.

Border fencing erected by India along its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh primarily consists of concertina wire, barbed wire, steel pickets, concrete walls with floodlighting and high-tech surveillance (through drones, cameras and motion sensors).

Personnel and Platform Protection

Soldiers need to be provided high-quality body armour, helmets, and gas masks can help protect them from physical and chemical threats. New technologies are required to upgrade protection against high velocity bullets with greater penetration power.

Composite materials are often used in bullet-proofing applications because they can provide a high level of protection while remaining lightweight and flexible.

Some common types of composites used for bullet-proof vests, helmets, and other body armor. These include ceramic composites such as Aramid fibres such as Kevlar and Twaron, polyethylene fibres such as Spectra and Dyneema, Glass composites and metal matrix composites.

The level of protection provided depends on the type of ammunition, velocity, and angle of impact.

Since 2016, the armed forces began to protect soldiers with bullet proof jackets and ballistic helmets to save lives. 12 Indian companies have been issued industrial licenses for the manufacture of BPJs. In latest developments, terrorists have begun to use armour-piercing bullets which have found their way from Afghanistan, where the Americans left vast quantities of war-like material at the time of their hurried withdrawal in August 2021. This has necessitated the replacement of some of the Level-3 BPJs with Level-4 BPJs, which is the highest grade of body protection armour vailable in the market today.

Procurement of ballistic helmets started in 2017 with an order for 1,58,279 light-weight ballistic helmets. With modern trends, helmets also act as a platform for mounting cameras, video cameras and VAS Shrouds for the mounting of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and monocular Night Vision Devices (NVD), helmet mounted display system (HMDS)/ Helmet Pointing System (HPS).

Anti-tank threats

Advanced protection offers smart, lightweight ballistic protection solutions for land vehicles, land platforms and objects.

Using advanced armour materials such as ceramics, composites, and reactive materials can help protect tanks from penetration by newer anti-tank weapons. Active protection systems (APS) such as radar, sensors and jamming can detect and neutralize incoming anti-tank threats.

Smoke screen, camouflage and concealment, mobility and electronic warfare measures can be used to advantage. Network-enabled systems such as sensors and communication systems can help improve situational awareness and coordination with other tanks in combination with other methods.

Suicide Bombers

Besides Intelligence, search and detect operations, surveillance using cameras, drones, and other equipment can help identify and track individuals or groups involved in planning or transporting explosives and other weapons.

Training personnel on how to recognize, report and respond to suicide bombing threats can help them identify and respond to potential threats.

Neutralising Snipers

Visual detection with binoculars or telescopes, Audio detection through sound of gunfire or the report of a rifle, use of microphones or acoustic sensors to pinpoint the location of a sniper are some of the basic methods for detecting snipers. Radar or thermal imaging can detect heat signatures of potential snipers. In some situations, jamming equipment can disrupt the sniper’s communications and targeting equipment.

IEDs and Mines

Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) can be detected using metal detectors, X-ray scanners, and other detection equipment before they can be detonated. Surveillance using cameras, drones, and other surveillance equipment can help identify and track individuals or groups involved in the planning or transportation of IEDs.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel with equipment and techniques can help locate, disarm, and safely dispose of IEDs. Dozens of detection techniques commensurate with weight, size, power, range and accuracy are available today. EOD and disarming IEDs is safer and effective with robots and unattended ground vehicles (UGVs). Electronic counter-measures and ECM are also available.

There is a need for faster sanitization over wider areas with lesser false positive identification. Robots, ground and foliage penetration radars, specialized clearing vehicles and jammers are proving effective.

A mine protected vehicle provides immunity against small arms fire and mine blasts. It enables protected mobility on/off road. Also, the tactical manoeuvrability ensures area domination by the forces.

Drone Threats

The threat from drones can be countered by detection, jamming, hijacking the drone, or by kinetic force. Kinetic systems include bullets, nets, or other physical means to bring the drone down.

Drones can be prevented by entering secure areas by geofencing and physical barriers.

Radars, cameras, and other detection equipment can help identify and locate drones. Radio frequency jamming equipment can disrupt the communication link between a drone and its operator, causing the drone to lose control or return to its launch point.

Using equipment that can hijack the communication link between a drone and its operator and take control of the drone, allowing it to be safely landed or redirect it to a safe location.

Underwater Threats

Underwater threats to naval assets in ports and harbours, like submarines, mines, and sea-borne IEDs, can be detected through active or passive sonar systems, Underwater drones, divers and underwater cameras to visually inspect the underwater area.

Underwater barriers, such as nets or booms, can physically block underwater threats from approaching naval assets.

Air Platforms

Smart and modular ballistic protection solutions for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft exist today. These solutions use precision engineered composite armour panels, which are retrofitted onto the aircraft with patented aero grade attachment systems. Their smart designs allow them to be integrated into the aircraft without modifying or requiring any structural changes to the aerodynamics of the platform. Keeping in mind the multi-role nature of rotary winged platforms, the armour panels and kits can be easily removed in full, or in part and re-mounted onto the platform with minimum hassles.

Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety

Increased security threats and incidents of fire in ammunition depots in the past have made it imperative to upgrade of the infrastructure including redesigning buildings and storage structures, inspection and testing facilities, automation, installation of contemporary warning and fire-fighting systems. The Ordnance Services Dte have initiated a project to modernize the arrangements at 16 major ammunition depots.

Chemical Warfare Threats

Protection against chemical warfare threats requires detection using chemical sensors and detection equipment, Protective gear such as gas masks, gloves, and protective suits, special shelters which can prevent exposure to chemical agents.

After contamination or use of the chemical agents, decontamination is required involving the use of decontamination methods.

For treatment, evacuation of casualties and medical treatment with antidotes and supportive care, are required.

Biological Warfare Threats

Protection against biological agents requires detection with biological sensors and detection equipment, vaccination, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and protective suits, specialised decontamination to remove biological agents from the skin and clothing and administering antibiotics or providing supportive care.

Nuclear Weapon Effects

To minimize the effects of a nuclear weapon, fallout shelters, protective gear, decontamination and medical treatment and, above all, training of all affected personnel, is required.

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Global Defense and Homeland Security Company MKU designed a special ‘Veer Helmet’ for Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army to provide ballistic protection.

The company has named the helmet Kavro SCH 111 T or ‘Veer Helmet’. MKU informed that the helmets are developed using smart design and techniques.

The special shape of ‘Veer Helmet’ allows it to be worn over the ‘cloth patka’ carried by Sikhs soldiers, the company informed.

“We observed a need for better head protection for our Sikh troops. Despite having contributed so much towards national security and defence in India, and across the world, the Sikh soldiers do not have adequate head protection against ballistic threats that can be comfortably worn, without having to compromise on their faith or identity,” MKU’s Chairman Manoj Gupta said as quoted by media outlets.

The helmet offers Level IIIA protection to the entire head of a Sikh soldier from ballistic threats and fragments.

The company said that it features the advanced ‘Reduced Helmet Trauma Technology’ which provides protection from secondary injuries to the skull due to resulting back face deformation in helmets due to high-velocity ballistic impact.

The special helmets are fully compatible with MACS (Multi Accessory Connector System) as it empowers Sikh soldiers to use the latest head-mounted sensors, cameras, torches, communication equipment and night vision devices, the company informed.

The helmet features a bolt-free helmet design to protect from secondary fragmentation and a Twistfit retention system for an extremely snug and comfortable fit.

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The event was attended by officers from HQ Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, scientists from DRDO and representatives from industry.

To counter the operational challenge of intrusions by the enemy drones / quadcopters on the western borders for dropping arms and ammunition or surveillance, the Army’s Northern Command has developed quadcopter jammers, which have the capability to defeat all types of quadcopters coming from across the borders.

The innovations were based on niche technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the performance of the in-service Battle Field Surveillance Radars (BFSR), long range observation systems (LORROS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

 Innovations like 9x19mm pistol ‘ASMI’, India’s first universal (both for men & women soldiers) lightweight Bullet Proof Jacket ‘SHAKTI’, Bullet Proof Helmet ‘Abhedya’, Wall Penetration Radar ‘Argos’ and Anti-Mine Boot ‘Padam Kavach’, developed by the Indian Army innovators were also showcased.

Other innovations like unmanned ground vehicles for remote explosion of IEDs (XPLODER), identification and marking of minefields and ‘Bullet Proof Bamboo Concrete Panel’ will further increase the protection of troops in operational areas.

Gen Naravane felicitated the innovators and expressed his satisfaction over the efforts being undertaken towards capacity enhancement through indigenization and exhorted the vast pool of talent with the Indian Army to come forward with innovative solutions and contribute towards ANB in defence. The COAS later unveiled the ‘Compendium of Innovations -2021’.

All-in-One Quadcopter Jammer System

An All-in-One Quadcopter Jammer System has been developed  by one of the Electronics & Mechanical Engineers’ unit deployed in the Kashmir valley to counter quadcopters being used for anti-national activities.

The jammer system can effectively counter any type of quadcopters at a range of approximately 800 meters.  Indian Army is planning to deploy such systems on the international border/ Line of Control/ Line of Actual Control and in hinterland to counter enemy quadcopters.

Sapper Scout

An Indian Army Captain from the College of Military Engineering, Pune has developed an Unmanned Ground Vehicle for mine detection and improvised explosive device (IED) disposal called “Sapper Scout” to avoid casualties and aid the troops in operations. The Army has suffered many casualties due to landmines over the years. The oficer conceived and developed the Sapper Scout to detect and mark the mines enabling the troops to safely evade minefields.

Xploder

In a major boost to protect troops from IEDs, the officer has also developed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called “Xploder”.  The ROV is backpack sized and light in weight for easy carriage by soldiers during operations. It aids the troops during room intervention operations, flushing of hideouts and remote disposal of IEDs. The wireless electronic detonation circuit (WEDC) developed by the officer will be used to remotely trigger and destroy suspected targets including IEDs from longer ranges.

Indoor Surveillance Microcopter

The Simulator Development Division (SDD) has developed a  manportable microdrone, which has the capability to fly inside buildings in GPS denied environment for indoor surveillance, thereby giving precise location of terrorist hideouts, which enables their neutralization with minimum collateral damage. The small dimension of the drone enables its entry inside a building through windows, ventilators or doors.

The microcopter has state-of-the-art capability for obstacle avoidance in indoor environment and can provide live video feed to the operator. It can operate in low light conditions and is highly stable in GPS denied environment. With 20 minutes endurance and 100 metres range, it can be used for close recconaissance around target buildings for planning operations.This innovation can be extensively utilised by the armed forces in counter-insurgency/ counter-terrorist operations.

9 mm Machine Pistol ASMI

India’s first  indigenous 9mm machine pistol “ASMI” has been developed by Lt Col Prasad Bansod from Infantry School, Mhow with assistance from  ARDE, Pune in a record time of four months. The weapon fires the in-service 9 mm ammunition.

“ASMI” which is an acronym for Pride, Self Respect and Hard Work, sports an upper receiver made from aircraft-grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre, manufactured by 3D printing process including trigger components made by metal 3D printing. It features a 8-inch barrel and 33 rounds high capacity magazine with an overall empty weight of under 2 kgs.

 The weapon has a huge potential in the Armed Forces as personal weapon for heavy weapon detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers/ dispatch riders, radio/ radar operators, CQB, CI/ CT operations, VIP protection duties and policing.

ASMI is likely to  find huge employability within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police services and potential for exports with likely production cost of under Rs 50,000 per weapon.

Innovations by Maj Anoop Mishra

Shakti Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ). India’s first universal BPJ for both men and women soldiers with 100 per cent indigenous content is claimed to be the only second body armour in the world which fits men and women both. First of its kind semi-flexible variegated armour protection, it takes the contours of the body and fits any body type. It comes in two variants – Level IV protection capable of stopping a sniper bullet from a distance of 10 metres and weighs just 6.2 kgs. Level III+ (Special Forces variant) capable of stopping an AK-47 round from a distance of 10 metres and weighs just 4.2 kgs. The cost of the BPJ is half of the current body armour with same level of protection.               

Abhedya Ballistic Helmet. This is India’s first 100 per cent indigenous ballistic helmet capable of stopping a rifle round from a distance of 10 metres. The helmet comes in two variants – Level III which is capable of stopping an AK-47 MSC round and Level III+ for AK-47 HSC armour piercing round. Advance Gel technology brings down trauma to zero mm. Helmet can be worn in all types of weather conditions and it comes with boltless design and Mil standard four-point strap. Cost of Level III helmet is one-fourth the cost of helmets in the international market. There is no Level III+ helmet as of now in the world which makes Abhedya a pioneer in rifle protection ballistic helmet technology.

PadamKawach Anti-Mine Boot. India’s first non-metallic and non-ceramic Boot Anti Mine. The current boot anti-mine causes fragmentation and splinter effect when it comes under mine blast seriously injuring the wearer as well as fellow soldiers as they have heavy metal or hard ceramic content. This is a critical technology developed in India, wherein ballistic rubber has been developed to mitigate mine blast and it behaves like normal DMS shoes. PadamKawach is waterproof and fire resistant. PadamKawach Mk III is the only Boot Anti-Mine in the world capable of mitigating a blast of a mine with 70 gms explosive. All PadamKawach series of anti-mine boots have been tested in international labs and passed all international standards.

ARGOS – Wall Penetration Radar (WPR). Named after a mythical creature with thousand eyes in Greek mythology, capable of seeing through anything and everything, the Argos wall penetrating radar is not only the world’s best wall-penetrating radar but is the lightest and can be worn by the soldier on body armour or helmet. Soldiers can see through RCC wall from a standoff distance of five metres and are not required to close in to the wall. It is weather proof and can penetrate through dense forest and identify multiple targets for upto 70 metres. It can detect human heart beats under rubble or under snow down to six feet, hence it is ideal for search and rescue operations. It can detect tunnels or hideouts underground from a standoff distance.

The Argos will change the counter-insurgency operations dynamics in the Kashmir Valley and the North-East. The cost of the equipment is 1/10th of any WPR sold worldwide or currently deployed with the Army or disaster management agencies.

DYNAM Rope. Currently steel wire ropes (SWR) are used in recovery vehicles. These ropes require lot of maintenance. They are heavy and may snap violently on overloading. DYNAM rope was develop to overcome these drawbacks. It is 80 per cent lighter, requires zero maintenance and with the same thickness of SWR it can lift 10 times the load. It comes with snap protection. It can be deployed for recovery vehicles, tanks or even ship anchorage saving weight and increasing efficiency of the equipment. There are just a handful of countries which have mastered this technology. It has immense application in civil arena. Virtually it can replace all steel wire rope from every sector.

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