In a pioneering collaboration, ADYPU Defence Research & Innovation Foundation (DRIF) , established at Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), Pune, and IIT Guwahati have unveiled India’s first Blast and Impact Research Centre (BIRC). This state-of-the-art facility is set to address critical challenges in the protection of both military and civilian infrastructure, positioning India as a global leader in blast and impact-resistant technologies.
Under the expert guidance of Prof. Dr. Nishakant Ojha, a globally recognized scientist and strategic affairs expert, the BIRC will focus on developing, testing, and refining advanced technologies to withstand extreme blast and impact forces. Whether for safeguarding military installations or protecting vital civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and government buildings, the Centre will play a pivotal role in enhancing national security and resilience.
Prof. Dr. Ojha expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ajeenkya, Chancellor of ADYPU, and Chairman of the ADYPU Defence Research & Innovation Foundation, along with Prof. Rohit Sinha (Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati) and Prof. Hrishikesh Sharma, the Faculty Coordinator for the project from IIT Guwahati. He also acknowledged the collaboration with IIT Guwahati, marking the first partnership of its kind between a private university and a leading IIT in the defense and innovation sector.
The BIRC will offer a comprehensive research platform with the following cutting-edge features:
- Impact and Blast Testing Facility to simulate and assess the structural resilience of materials and designs under extreme conditions.
- Shock Tube Facility to study material properties and develop systems capable of withstanding hypervelocity impacts.
- Human Safety Research involving advanced avatars and real-time health monitoring systems to assess injuries and optimize safety designs.
Key Objectives of the BIRC:
- Development of Blast-Resistant Structures for military and civilian applications.
- Shock Tube and Impact Testing to improve protective systems for critical infrastructure.
- Counter-Terrorism Solutions to safeguard national assets from high-impact threats.
- Human Safety Research aimed at minimizing injuries and enhancing protection for both civilians and defense personnel.
As Dr. Ajeenkya, Chairman of ADYPU, emphasized, the BIRC will play a crucial role in advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by driving the development of indigenous protective technologies. The Centre will serve as a global hub for research, development, and innovation in impact resistance, blast protection, and human safety, bringing together the expertise of ADYPU, IIT Guwahati, and other key organizations like DRDO, BARC, and ISRO.
Key Stakeholders Supporting BIRC:
- Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Indian Armed Forces
- Ministry of Transport and Highways
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Ojha highlighted the Centre’s upcoming groundbreaking research initiative, SURAKSHA, a Smart Human Armor designed to offer both protection and real-time health monitoring for military personnel. This Ultra-Resilient Adaptive Kinematic Soft Armor integrates cutting-edge technology to resist both impact and blast forces while simultaneously monitoring critical health metrics such as brainwave activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Key Features of SURAKSHA:
- Impact and Blast Resistance: Engineered to absorb the energy from explosions and projectiles, protecting soldiers in high-risk environments.
- Health Monitoring: Equipped with cerebral sensors in helmets and embedded sensors in clothing to track the soldier’s vital signs and detect injuries in real-time.
- Performance Feedback: The data generated by the system will provide valuable insights for decision-making during combat, improving both safety and operational success.
With SURAKSHA, the BIRC will not only enhance military personnel protection but also contribute to innovations in smart armor and health monitoring systems—critical for future combat scenarios.
Along with this, BIRC is advancing the design of CBRN (Chemical, biological, radiation, Nuclear) protected structures with cutting-edge engineering to create resilient systems capable of withstanding CBRN threats. By utilizing advanced materials composites, the research enhances radiation shielding, structural durability, and sustainability. The initiative focuses on cost-effective, eco-friendly designs and employs probabilistic modeling to strengthen critical infrastructure against natural and human-induced threats, setting new benchmarks in global safety and sustainable energy solutions.
Key features:
- Resilient design: Ensuring resilience against CBRN threats.
- Advanced Materials: Enhancing radiation shielding and structural integrity.
- Sustainability: Developing cost-effective, eco-friendly designs.
- Probabilistic Modeling: Applying advanced techniques for robust infrastructure
The BIRC is also at the forefront of innovation with its groundbreaking work on the next generation of Nuclear Power Plants, specifically designed to enhance resilience against missile and blast threats. This initiative reflects a commitment to safety and security in an era where the potential for external attacks on critical infrastructure is a growing concern.
Key features:
- Performance-Based Design: extreme conditions by engineering structures to withstand significant external threats.
- Robust Structural Framework: Incorporates reinforced barriers and redundant safety systems to protect against physical threats while maintaining nuclear safety.
- Inherent Safety Mechanisms: Utilizes passive features to minimize core damage risks during extreme events, safeguarding personnel and the environment.
- Modular Construction: Prefabricated modular designs reduce construction time, lower costs, and allow customization for specific threat profiles.
Prof. Dr. Nishakant Ojha is a distinguished thought leader in next-generation technologies and strategic affairs. Renowned for his transformative work in India’s defense and technological sectors, Prof. Ojha has played a key role in shaping the BIRC. His vision is to establish India at the forefront of global research and development in blast and impact-resistant technologies, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel alike. Prof. Ojha’s expertise also extends to autonomous warfare in air and sea, working towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities across the tri-services.
This landmark initiative will not only bolster India’s defense capabilities but also set a global standard for the development of resilient infrastructure and human safety technologies.
