Scientists from India's Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) have developed a new version of the military's nuclear biological and chemical (NBC) suit.
A laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development (DRDO), DMSRDE contracted Rajasthan Spinning and Weaving Mills to manufacture the next-generation suit for future use by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces.
Following model trials, the Mark V version of the NBC suit will be then delivered to the Indian Army within 12 months.
DMSRDE director AK Saxena was quoted by the Times of India as saying: "NBC Mark IV suit provides protection to the soldier from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; the Mark V suit is much more advanced and will be able to provide up to 48 hours of protection in war conditions."
Designed using activated carbon spheres (ACS), the NBC Mark V suit weighs 2.75kg and features new properties compared to the Mark IV suit.
Commenting on whether the new suit will replace the earlier version, Saxena said that the NBC mark IV could be worn by paramilitary forces as they are usually deployed to counter terrorism or at riot-hit places and need not wear the protection for a long time, and the Indian Army could use the new version.
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