The Indian Army is mulling purchasing additional 62,500 bulletproof jackets for the officials. The decision to buy more bulletproof jackets was taken amid the threat of the use of steel core bullets by terrorists in India. Recently, a few incidents in the Kashmir valley were reported in which terrorists used American armour piercing bullets in encounters with Indian security forces and were successful in breaching the bulletproof jackets of soldiers.
In regard to this, on the 20th of November, Sunday, the Ministry of Defence Department issued tenders for acquiring 62,500 bulletproof jackets (BPJs) for its frontline troops. Notably, two separate notice for tenders has been issued under Make in India jackets. One tender include a requirement of 47,627 jackets under the normal route and the other one for 15,000 jackets under emergency procurement procedures. The tenders would be finalised in the next three to four months.
Furthermore, the procurement for 47,627 jackets would be done in phases and is expected to be completed in the next 18 to 24 months, said the Union Defence Ministry.
Highlighting the specifications by the Indian army include that the BPJs should be able to protect a soldier against 7.62 mm armour piercing rifle ammunition as well as steel core bullets fired from a distance of 10 metres.
In addition, the jackets being procured through these two tenders would be level 4 which are considered to be effective against steel core bullets and would be first provided to the troops deployed in terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lastly, considering the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and make in India initiative, the Indian Army sources confirmed to ensure all the BPJs are from India and materials are also sourced from India.
Mango News Link
Telegram: https://t.me/mangonewsofficial
Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/2R4cbgN
Apple / iOS Store: https://apple.co/2xEYFJ
