The Indian Army is expecting its first lot of bulletproof jackets after a gap of nine years. Sputnik spoke to S. C. Kansal, Managing Director, SMPP Pvt Ltd - the Indian firm which will be supplying the bulletproof jackets to the Indian Army, on the deal and features of the jackets
New Delhi: The heavy casualties among Indian soldiers during counter-insurgency operations and those deployed along the border have been mostly attributed to the absence of basic protective gear.
Sputnik: What is unique about the bulletproof jackets made by your company?
S. C. Kansal: One of the most important features is that it is the lightest. It has only 10kg weight. It has a vast area coverage. Its area coverage is 360 degrees, which means it will provide 360-degree protection to soldiers.
Sputnik: Will they be able to survive all types of bullets?
S. C. Kansal: They have the capacity to beat all types of bullets that terrorists are mostly known to use. This is the core strength of my company's bulletproof jacket. They have been made to suit the specifications of the Indian Army. They have a boron carbide ceramic plate which is capable of blocking all types of bullets, including AK-47. They provide coverage from neck to the groin.
Sputnik: Several bulletproof jackets failed trials conducted by the Defense Ministry: How did your jackets fare during the trials?
S. C. Kansal: The Ministry of Defense tested the bulletproof jackets for four months before signing the agreement. The trial test was conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, which was successful.
Sputnik: Are you exporting your defence products to other countries?
S. C. Kansal: Bulletproof jackets have a boron carbide ceramic plate which protects sensitive parts of the body. We are exporting these boron carbide ceramic plates to several countries, which include France, Australia, and Israel. We have a long-term contract with Airbus also. We also export other protection solutions to Germany, France, Australia, the UK, and Israel.
Sputnik: Apart from bulletproof jackets, what other protection solutions does your company manufacture?
S. C. Kansal: We are engaged in bulletproofing of helicopters, airplanes, and vehicles. We also make bulletproof helmets. These are the bulletproofing of armors. Besides, we are also into ammunition work, which we are doing since 1991 and for which we have been awarded by the Government of India.