DRDO Develops Indigenous Armour Panels 20% Lighter Than Current Systems for Future Army Combat Vehicles

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has created a new indigenous armour panel that weighs 20 percent less than systems now in use, without compromising protection against 30 mm armour-piercing (AP) ammunition. It was developed by the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), or R&DE(E), in Pune, and is meant for future main battle tanks (MBTs), light tanks and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs).

A senior DRDO scientist said the panel is a fifth lighter than the present system and matches global standards in this field. In-house trials are complete, and the panels have met the force's operational requirements internally. R&DE(E) has now offered the technology to private industry through the Transfer of Technology (ToT) route, and several leading companies have shown interest.

Protection level

The panels meet STANAG 4569 Level 6 requirements against 30 mm AP threats. STANAG 4569 is a NATO standard that sets protection levels for military vehicles. Level 6 covers high-velocity 30 mm armour-piercing rounds, including APFSDS types in some classifications, at a reference distance of 500 metres, mainly on the frontal arc, along with related artillery fragmentation threats.

Why lighter armour matters

Conventional steel armour can give similar protection, but it adds a great deal of weight. That puts more strain on engines and suspension and reduces mobility, fuel efficiency and the ease of transporting vehicles over long distances. Armoured vehicle makers worldwide are shifting to composites, ceramics and layered structures to get more protection for less weight.

DRDO officials said the new panels are designed to address these needs against current battlefield threats, including armour-piercing ammunition, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, mines, improvised explosive devices and drones.

Lighter armour is especially useful for light tanks and infantry combat vehicles that operate over varied terrain and at high altitude. An Army officer said that, since tanks are used extensively in mountain regions, the technology offers a new advantage for armoured troops in mountain warfare. The weight saving also gives designers room to add sensors, active protection systems and electronics without going over weight limits.

Industry transfer

The technology was formally listed for transfer to industry around October 1, 2026, under DRDO's ToT programme (Category A), with three manufacturing licences on offer. The ToT package usually includes the bill of materials, the manufacturing process, a quality assurance plan and test details.

No vehicle programme has formally selected the panels yet. However, the work is relevant to platforms such as the Zorawar light tank and future FICV and MBT projects. The next stage is industrial production and assessment for specific vehicle applications.

Boost to self-reliance

Home-grown armour reduces dependence on imported protection systems and supports domestic defence manufacturing. R&DE(E) has earlier worked on related composite and ceramic armour and hull technologies for next-generation infantry combat vehicles, aiming at lower weight, reduced signatures and modular protection.

The development fits in with the wider effort to give the Indian Army's mechanised forces lighter, more mobile and well-protected platforms for varied operating conditions.