New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched the 50 crore lightweight bulletproof glass project.
The project aims to develop advanced transparent armour for Indian military vehicles that is lighter, stronger, and fully indigenous.
According to information shared by DRDO and CSIR research teams, the new technology could reduce dependence on imported bulletproof glass while improving mobility and protection for India’s armed forces.
What Is The New DRDO-CSIR Armoured Vehicles Bulletproof Glass Project
India is working on a next-generation transparent armour system based on advanced nanocrystalline glass-ceramic technology.
The project brings together the expertise of CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI), Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). The goal is to create lightweight bulletproof glass specifically designed for armoured military vehicles used by the Indian Army and other defence forces.
How Does The New Glass Technology Work
Scientists have developed a special glass matrix containing uniformly distributed nanometre-sized crystals. These tiny crystals are formed through a controlled crystallisation process.
The resulting material combines transparency with high ballistic resistance and mechanical strength.
Strong Yet Transparent
Unlike conventional armour glass, the new material maintains clear visibility while offering enhanced protection. This makes it suitable for vehicle windows, observation panels, and other military applications where visibility is critical.
Why Is Armoured Vehicles Bulletproof Glass Project Important
India currently relies on imported transparent armour for several military platforms. The new indigenous technology aims to replace foreign-made solutions with a domestic alternative. This supports the government’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Improving Operational Mobility
Traditional bulletproof glass is heavy and thick. According to project researchers, the new glass-ceramic technology can reduce both weight and thickness by up to 50%.
Lighter armour can improve vehicle speed, fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and overall operational performance.
Successful Initial Trials Show Promising Results
Initial ballistic testing was conducted at DRDO-TBRL facilities in Chandigarh. The transparent armour successfully stopped bullets fired from a distance of 10 metres.
The tests involved an indigenous Trichy Assault Rifle (TAR) chambered for 7.62×39mm ammunition.
Meeting High Defence Standards
Researchers stated that the material is being designed to meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Level V and Level VI ballistic protection requirements. These standards are used to evaluate high-performance armour systems.
Armoured Vehicles Bulletproof Glass Project: Multi-Shot Protection Capability
The new transparent armour is not only designed to stop a single projectile. Scientists are developing it to withstand multiple impacts in quick succession. This capability is important for military vehicles operating in combat environments where repeated attacks are possible.
Future Applications Beyond Military Vehicles
The technology could eventually be used on Indian Navy warships requiring lightweight protective transparent structures.
Military Aircraft
Aircraft can benefit from reduced weight while maintaining crew protection and visibility.
Critical Security Infrastructure
The technology may also find applications in strategic government buildings and critical security installations.
Armoured Vehicles Bulletproof Glass Project: Commercial Manufacturing Plans
Researchers are already working toward large-scale production. A domestic industry partner is expected to participate in manufacturing and commercialization.
If successfully deployed, the project could strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and create new opportunities for indigenous industry.
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FAQs
According to project researchers, the new glass-ceramic technology can reduce the weight and thickness of imported transparent armour by up to 50%.
DRDO Lightweight Bulletproof Glass is an advanced transparent armour technology being developed jointly by DRDO and CSIR for Indian military vehicles. It is designed to be lighter, thinner, and stronger than conventional armour glass.
