Pune, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)), Pune, has developed and tested indigenous lightweight armour panels meeting STANAG-6 (30mm AP) requirements.
The armour panels are intended for use on next-generation Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), Light Tanks and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs). According to DRDO, the laboratory carried out multiple design iterations and simulations before developing a lightweight indigenous armour solution.
R&DE(E) also developed a novel manufacturing method for producing the panels. The armour has undergone extensive testing, with the required parameters for STANAG-6 (30mm AP) achieved during trials.
STANAG 4569 Level 6 covers protection against 30mm armour-piercing (AP) or APFSDS ammunition.
Following the successful development and testing, DRDO issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) on October 1, 2026, for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for manufacturing the armour panels. The technology is listed under Category ‘A’, with three licences available.
The ToT includes the bill of materials, manufacturing process, quality assurance plan and test details. The technology is specifically intended for development of armour at the panel level and may also support indigenous armour solutions against other medium-calibre ammunition.
Indian companies and industries interested in the technology have been asked to submit their EoI within 21 days of its publication on the DRDO website.
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