The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI) are collaborating on a ₹50-crore project to develop advanced lightweight bulletproof glass for armoured vehicles.
The four-year project is being carried out with DRDO laboratories, including the Naval Materials Research Laboratory in Maharashtra and the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh. The technology is designed to replace imported transparent armour while reducing its weight and thickness by around 30–50%.
The project uses advanced glass-ceramics with nanometre-sized crystals designed to provide strength and toughness while maintaining transparency. Initial ballistic trials reportedly stopped rounds fired from a Trichy Assault Rifle at 10 metres. Further multi-shot testing is planned to assess performance under more demanding conditions.
The technology could eventually be used not only in armoured vehicles but also in aircraft, naval platforms and other security applications. DRDO plans to take the technology from laboratory development to large-scale manufacturing with an industry partner.
