The introduction of policies and initiatives like Atmanirbharta has fueled the drive of Indian defense manufacturers to elevate India to a new level of excellence in the production and supply of advanced defense products and solutions for both domestic defense sectors and exports.
Today, India is a leading exporter of superior-quality ballistic protection products, with companies like SMPP playing a pivotal role in fulfilling the needs of the Indian Armed Forces while also exporting to other countries.
SMPP’s journey is built on in-house R&D and the development of advanced technologies, especially in ballistic protection. SMPP made its foray into defense by pioneering the development of Combustible Cartridge Cases and was awarded with National award for indigensation in 1998 by Ministry of Defense, Govt of India, and now it is one of the select few armor companies in the world that manufactures the lightest and hardest advanced ceramic materials.
The flagship product of SMPP is boron carbide ceramic used in bullet proof protection for individual soldiers, as well as protection for air, land, and naval platforms. The boron carbide ceramic produced by SMPP is being used globally in various armor applications, including helicopters, aircraft, tanks, sea platforms, and lightweight body armor.
SMPP is the first Indian company to be issued BIS certification for bullet proof jackets and has successfully delivered the latest BIS Level 6 bullet proof jackets capable of stopping armor-piercing ammunition. The BIS level 6 jackets are designed to withstand bullets with tungsten or hard steel cores that can penetrate even armored vehicles.
SMPP has already completed a huge order for supplying 186,000 ballistic jackets to the Indian Army and has supplied large quantities to paramilitary forces as well in addition to foreign friendly countries.
The company has been honored with three distinct national awards for its contributions to defense R&D, all presented by different Defense Ministers of India. In 2020, SMPP was awarded with SIDM award for Technology and Product Innovation for its advanced protection ballistic helmet which is capable of stopping lethal hard steel core bullets from AK 47. SMPP was awarded patents in India and USA for these unique and innovative helmets.
The recent policy changes and the clarion call of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh Narender Modi, in achieving Atmanirbharta has helped in the Indian Defense industry and start-ups in increasing the capabilities of our armed forces. Today, when a soldier is guarding our nation on the borders or operating in an intense counter-insurgency environment, he embodies Atmavishwas (self-confidence) while wearing such bullet proof gear. This confidence stems from the Armasuraksha (self-protection) provided by the indigenously manufactured bullet proof products.
The leading aerospace company of India, HAL, recently introduced their flagship helicopters, LCH and LUH for the armed forces. These helicopters have been able to create an impression not just in India but are also in demand by foreign nations. SMPP made their contribution by providing an ultra light weight armor protection panels for the LCH and LUH and is the only company qualified to provide such panels for these helicopters. SMPP has also supplied ceramics which have been used in bullet proofing large aircrafts like Airbus A 400M and others.
With more than 30 years of engineering experience and the intellectual wisdom of IITian promoters, SMPP is blazing a trail toward global competence with its innovative and state-of-the-art products. The company has also been granted a license for manufacturing ammunition for tanks, artillery, and infantry support weapons. This was again a resultant of the forward looking policies of Govt. of India when it allowed private sector for the first time to manufacture ammunition which was hitherto reserved for Govt. companies only.
The recent order to SMPP from MHA for 40,000 bullet proof jackets for CRPF and BSF is a testament to the Govt’s resolve to ensure safety and security of our personnel and integrity of our nation.
The recent strides by our defense companies stands as a testament to India’s burgeoning prowess in the global defense arena, driven by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Indian defense companies are not only meeting the rigorous demands of the Indian Armed Forces but also setting a benchmark for global defense standards while embodying the spirit of Atmanirbharta—self-reliance and national pride.
Through strategic advancements and a focus on indigenization, SMPP is not only enhancing the security of our nation but is also making significant strides on the international stage. As the company continues to expand its technological horizons and forge new partnerships, SMPP reaffirms its role as a cornerstone in the evolution of defense manufacturing, ensuring that the future of our armed forces remains secure, resilient, and confidently prepared for any challenge.
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