SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a groundbreaking advancement for soldier safety, the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has unveiled two specialized types of boots designed to protect India’s armed forces in some of the most perilous environments. Announced on March 28, 2025, these boots—one engineered to withstand landmine explosions and the other to shield against sharp spikes and hazards in dense forests—represent three years of rigorous research and innovation by DMSRDE scientists.
The first variant, tailored for troops operating in landmine-prone areas, is a marvel of engineering designed to counter the devastating impact of explosions. Capable of protecting soldiers from landmines with an explosive weight of up to 125 kg, these boots mitigate the extreme pressure generated during a blast—approximately 42,000 kg per square centimeter—by a factor of 160. This reduction ensures that the force transmitted to the soldier’s feet and legs is minimized, significantly enhancing survival rates and reducing injury severity.
Weighing 3 kg, the boots strike a balance between protection and practicality. They are crafted from a combination of lightweight ceramic porous materials and aramid hybrids, materials known for their strength and resilience. This composition not only absorbs and disperses the explosive energy but also keeps the boots manageable for prolonged use, preventing fatigue during extended missions. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which frequently operates in mine-infested regions, has successfully tested these boots, validating their effectiveness in real-world conditions.
The second innovation targets soldiers patrolling Naxal-affected forests, where hidden threats like sharp spikes, nails buried in the soil, and poisonous insects pose constant dangers. Weighing just 1 kg, these anti-spike boots are designed for agility and comfort without compromising on protection. Their soles feature a shear-thickening gel—a smart material that hardens upon impact—combined with additional fiber layers to prevent penetration by sharp objects. This technology ensures that soldiers can traverse treacherous terrain with confidence, shielded from both man-made traps and natural hazards.
The lightweight design of the anti-spike boots reflects DMSRDE’s focus on mobility, a critical factor for troops conducting long patrols in dense, uneven forests. By integrating advanced materials and innovative engineering, these boots offer a practical solution to a persistent threat faced by forces like the CRPF and state police units in India’s Red Corridor.
The development of these boots underscores DMSRDE’s role as a leader in defence materials research, aligning with India’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” vision of self-reliance in strategic technologies. Over three years, scientists at the Kanpur facility meticulously tested and refined the designs, ensuring they meet the exacting demands of military operations. The use of indigenous materials and manufacturing processes not only enhances national security but also positions India as a potential innovator in protective gear on the global stage.
For soldiers, these boots are more than equipment—they are a lifeline. In landmine-prone border regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir or the Northeast, and in Naxal-affected areas like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the dual threats of explosions and concealed spikes have long endangered lives and hampered operations. The DMSRDE’s innovations directly address these challenges, offering protection that could reduce casualties and boost operational efficiency.
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