Indian soldiers could finally get better, lighter helmets after two decades of wait

Soldiers from armies worldwide are provided ultra-light helmets made of high-tenacity composite and polyethylene materials, some of which also integrate video cameras, thermal, chemical and biological sensors, along with visors which act as "heads-up computerized display monitors" in front of the eyes. On the other hand, soldiers of Indian Army, belonging to the world’s fastest growing economy, are struggling to get some basic protection gear for decades.

This wait for light and better helmets could finally be over for the Indian Army, since as per a TOI report, a contract for 1,58,279 light-weight ballistic helmets is on the verge of completion. The deal is said to be worth around Rs 170 crore.

"The deal would have been inked much earlier after the CNC (contract negotiation committee) was completed. But there has been a complaint, as also some financial queries...these are now being addressed," said a source.

Earlier in March, a Rs 140 crore contract for "emergency" procurement of 50,000 from Tata Advanced Materials Limited was inked after waiting for more than 10 years.

The helmets, procured from an Indian manufacturer MKU, will be equipped with 13mm trauma protection pads, while those for "commanders" will come with integrated communication headsets.

The present lot of helmets that the army has are not only too heavy, but also do not protect soldiers from anything but splinters and rocks.

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