By IANS,
New Delhi : The paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to receive the first of new generation jackets and breastplates incorporating composites developed by diversified US technology and manufacturing leader Honeywell to provide increased bullet-resistance to body armour.
As part of a contract awarded by the home ministry to MKU Pvt. Ltd., an Indian supplier of body armour, Honeywell’s Gold Shield and Spectra Shield composite materials will be the primary ballistics protection incorporated into 59,000 jackets that each contain two breast plates. The first shipment of body armour is likely to be sent to the CRPF by this month-end, a Honeywell statement said Tuesday.
The body armour is intended to protect against a variety of pistol, ground and small arms threats. The soft armour containing Gold Shield can substantially reduce injuries caused by a bullet’s impact, but with improved weight, flexibility and comfort.
The breast plates containing Spectra Shield offer protection from multiple bullet hits, angle shots and high-velocity rifle rounds, the statement said.
“Honeywell’s Spectra Shield and Gold Shield composite materials will play a key role in protecting the men and women who serve in India’s police forces from the serious threats they face every day,” said Phil Wojcik, global leader of Honeywell’s Advanced Fibers and Composites business.
“Our materials protect law enforcement officials, soldiers and their vehicles in combat zones around the world, and we are proud to bring this technology to India,” he added.
“Today’s police forces need stronger, lighter armour that can withstand a variety of threats. Together with Honeywell, we’re providing the Indian police with the latest generation products in personal armour technology,” said MKU managing director Neeraj Gupta.
Modernization of India’s police forces has been a top priority for the home ministry. According to Informa, PLC, an international market research firm, the Indian homeland security budget is set to grow by 25 percent in 2010, making it the fastest-growing market for homeland security equipment in the world.