The requirements of the Armed Forces and the CAPFs for protection of assets and personnel against all threats is very large. These include body armour, bullet-proofing of vehicles, helicopters and ships, counter-IED equipment to include mine-protected vehicles and robotic vehicles, surveillance  & perimeter protection to counter intrusions, protection of air bases and protection of assets, critical infrastructure protection, combat triage & healthcare, CBRNe protection, combat survival and protection in extreme cold areas and high altitude areas.

Protection of Assets

The terrorist attacks at Nagrota Corps HQ (29 Nov 2016, 10 dead), Uri Brigade HQ (18 Sep 2016, 20 dead) and Pathankot Air Base (2 Jan 2016, 7 dead) has prompted the Armed Forces to draw up elaborate plans for protection of their assets all over the country.

Perimeter Security Market which includes components such as Intrusion Detection, Video Surveillance, Access Control, and Alarms and Notification Systems and others (fencing, lighting, and detection devices for metals, explosives, drugs, and chemicals), is expected to grow globally by 12.2% between 2017 and 2022, making it a $200 billion industry. The growth of the market is primarily driven by the rise in terror attacks worldwide. The increasing technological developments in video surveillance is said to have fueled the demand for perimeter security systems and services. Furthermore, the increased usage of internet of things (IoT) is also expected to be contributing to the growth of the perimeter security market.

The increasing use of video surveillance systems, especially in the military and defence verticals for protecting the assets is said to be enhancing the growth in the perimeter security market.

An IAF audit has identified 54 vital bases where security is being upgraded at a cost of more than Rs 8,000 crore with smart fences, vibration detection systems, mini-drones, thermal cameras and night vision equipment to detect trespassers and respond swiftly in case of an attempted breach. Most acquisitions will be done on fast-track basis.

Bullet-Proof Jackets

The army is getting the bulletproof jackets at a time when they are increasingly coming under terror attacks, especially in Kashmir. A number of the recent fatalities from the army, analysts have pointed out that could have been avoided if they had proper protection gear.

A contract to procure 1.86 lakh bullet proof jackets for the armed forces is being fulfilled. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in October, 2009 for procurement of 3,53,765 Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs). 12 Indian companies have been issued industrial licenses for the manufacture of BPJs.

The Army has been looking for modern lightweight modular bulletproof jackets that allow greater agility to troops while protecting the head, neck, chest, groin and sides of the infantry soldiers.

Ballistic Helmets

The defence ministry has also placed an order for 1,58,279 light-weight ballistic helmets, worth around Rs 170 crore for the Army.

IED explosions have taken a heavy toll on the security forces' personnel and hundreds of CRPF and other security personnel have been killed or lost their limbs as the crafty ultras often plant bombs in innovative ways to hit the forces.

The CRPF is also exploring the possibility of providing special boots that can withstand impact of blasts from beneath the surface.

Counter-IEDs

            Specialised robots will now be used by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Naxal areas to detect and neutralise hidden IEDs that have been the main source of fatalities of the security forces' personnel in the ultra-Left extremism-hit areas.

            A contract to procure 1.86 lakh bullet proof jackets for the armed forces is being fulfilled. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in October, 2009 for procurement of 3,53,765 Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs). 12 Indian companies have been issued industrial licenses for the manufacture of BPJs.

            The Army has been looking for modern lightweight modular bulletproof jackets that allow greater agility to troops while protecting the head, neck, chest, groin and sides of the infantry soldiers.

CBRN Protection

            CBRN warfare is the dirtiest form of warfare. It affects soldiers, weapons, equipment, terrain, logistics, food supplies, medical support, everything. It is not easy to prepare for CBRN warfare. It requires entirely different thinking, different training, different procedures, tactics, strategy, protective equipment, an entirely different concept of logistics support including medical arrangements.

            CBRN preparation requires threat assessment, proliferation prevention, counter force and elimination, active and passive defence. This includes readiness for CBRN disasters.

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