BAE, Indian co to jointly supply bullet-proof jackets

Global defence major BAE Systems has tied up with an Indian security gadgets company to supply 59,000 bullet-proof jackets to security forces as part of a government contract that is expected to cost Rs 160 crore.

Besides the jackets, Anjani Technoplast would manufacture vehicle armour using Tensylon, a lightweight ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material developed by BAE systems.

The Indian firm is bidding for supply of 59,000 bullet-proof jackets that the Union Home Ministry is procuring.

Earlier, the government had ordered a "re-trial" of the jackets in January this year following complaints from bidders on the authenticity of laboratory tests for them.

The bullet-proof jackets will be provided to personnel of para-military forces like CRPF, CISF, ITBP, BSF, SSB and the NSG.

"It (Tensylon) is a proven and cost-effective technology, and our independent tests have confirmed superior performance of the ballistic tape. We will submit bid for the $35 million contract for supplying bullet-proof jackets to Indian para-military forces," Managing Director Anjani Technoplast R K Gupta said.

The representatives of both the firms will display their security paraphernalia during the Defence Expo to be held in the national capital from February 15.