The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has opened its indigenous STANAG-6 armour technology to Indian manufacturers.
This will allow domestic companies to produce lightweight armour panels designed to withstand 30 mm armour-piercing ammunition. Developed and tested by DRDO’s Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), or R&DE(E), in Pune, the technology is intended for future main battle tanks, light tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
The move could help Indian defence manufacturers develop advanced vehicle protection systems locally while addressing a key engineering challenge: improving armour protection without adding excessive weight.
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DRDO Invites Indian Firms to Manufacture STANAG-6 Armour
DRDO has invited interested Indian companies to seek a Transfer of Technology (ToT) licence through an Expression of Interest (EoI). The initiative lets eligible domestic manufacturers access the technology needed to produce the lightweight armour panels.
The development targets next-generation armoured combat vehicles, where additional protection must be balanced against mobility and payload requirements. According to the report, the armour has been tested against the specified 30 mm armour-piercing threat.
What STANAG-6 Protection Means for Indian Army Vehicles
STANAG 4569 is a NATO standard that classifies protection levels for military vehicles against ballistic and blast threats. Level 6 represents a high level of ballistic protection.
The lightweight armour panels are intended for main battle tanks (MBTs), light tanks and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs), which may be wheeled or tracked. Keeping vehicle weight under control is particularly important for lighter platforms, as excess weight can affect mobility and transportability.
For future main battle tanks, lighter armour could also help accommodate additional sensors, active protection systems and electronic equipment without substantially increasing overall vehicle weight.
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Indigenous Defence Technology Could Expand Local Manufacturing
By making the technology available to Indian industry, DRDO is creating an opportunity for private-sector armour manufacturers to build production capabilities around a domestically developed system rather than relying on imported solutions.
However, the technology transfer does not mean the armour has been selected for a specific Indian Army vehicle. Its eventual application will depend on individual vehicle designs and programme requirements. The protection a complete armour package provides can also vary with the projectile, firing conditions, and panel arrangement.
The next step is whether Indian manufacturers adopt the technology and translate DRDO’s tested armour panels into production-ready systems. Broader domestic manufacturing could create another option for future Indian armoured-vehicle programmes, although adoption by any particular platform remains unconfirmed.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
