Forging the shield: How SMPP is leading India’s defence revolution

In the rugged terrains of Kashmir, along the high-altitude borders of Ladakh, and across the dense forests of central India, Indian soldiers face grave risks every day. Amidst these dangers, a silent yet robust layer of protection stands between life and death: state-of-the-art bulletproof gear. Behind much of this armour is one Indian company quietly revolutionising defence manufacturing—SMPP Ltd.

With its roots in deep engineering and a clear mission to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence, SMPP’s journey is a testament to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. From being a pioneer in ballistic protection to venturing into drones and large-calibre ammunition, the company, led by its CEO Mr. Ashish Kansal, has carved a remarkable trajectory, now culminating in its latest win: the Emergency Procurement 5 (EP-5) order from the Ministry of Defence.

The EP-5 Milestone: More Than Just a Contract

SMPP’s recent EP-5 order involves the supply of 27,700 advanced Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) and 11,700 Ballistic Helmets—gear that’s capable of withstanding the most lethal armour-piercing (AP) rounds and hard steel-core bullets. Unlike conventional protective gear, these jackets are tested to take six AP shots on a single monolithic plate—far exceeding global benchmarks, which typically require resistance to just one or two such impacts.

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This order is not just a business win. It is symbolic of India’s maturing defence ecosystem. “These products are 100% IDDM—Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured,” says Mr. Kansal. “They reflect not only our commitment to our soldiers but also to the Government of India’s vision of a self-reliant nation.”

The helmets included in the order use a patented design—granted in India and the U.S.—that offers protection from hard-core rifle rounds, a capability rarely seen even in elite global defence gear. “A soldier can often survive a body wound, but a bullet to the head is almost always fatal,” explains Kansal. “That’s where our helmet makes all the difference.”

Building on Three Decades of Innovation

Founded over 30 years ago by an IIT graduate, Dr. SC Kansal, SMPP began as an engineering firm and gradually emerged as a specialist in personal armour systems. Its first vertical—armour protection for personnel and platforms—was quickly followed by a second: the manufacturing of artillery ammunition. Carrying forward the legacy under the leadership of  Mr. Ashish Kansal, himself an IITian, SMPP is now venturing into a third vertical, drones and counter-drone systems, with several products already tested and cleared by Army Headquarters.

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“Our vision is to work across as many critical technologies as possible,” says Kansal. “Whether it’s soldier protection, firepower, or new-age surveillance, we want to be a catalyst in India’s march toward Atmanirbharta.”

Indeed, SMPP has already supplied over 1.86 lakh bulletproof jackets and 2 lakh ballistic helmets to the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. Its past victories include sweeping all four contracts under the earlier Emergency Procurement 4 (EP-4) initiative—ranging from jackets and helmets to ballistic shields, including a customised version of helmets for Sikh soldiers, a first in Indian defence manufacturing.

The Science Behind the Shield

What sets SMPP apart is its relentless focus on research and innovation. With a strong in-house R&D team, the company is constantly working to stay ahead of evolving battlefield threats. “Our gear is not static,” explains Kansal. “We update based on changing ammunition threats, soldier comfort, and operational requirements.”

Take, for example, their use of CaraSTOP-B4C—an in-house manufactured boron carbide ceramic, among the hardest materials known to science. This ceramic is not only used in SMPP’s ballistic gear but also in India’s major military helicopters and globally deployed transport aircraft.

To ensure uniform quality, each batch of this ceramic undergoes a proprietary X-ray screening process—designed to detect microscopic defects like air gaps, internal cracks, or low-density pockets. “It took years of data and experimentation to get it right,” says Kansal. “But we’re now confident that what we produce meets the highest standards—Indian or international.”

SMPP’s gear also meets and exceeds global norms, including BIS Level 6 and NIJ Level III+, offering protection against AP rounds and AK-47 hard steel-core bullets. Many of these innovations are protected under patents; out of 17 patent filings, nine have already been granted, including the game-changing ballistic helmet design.

A Truly Indian Defence Story

For Kansal, SMPP is not just a business; it’s a mission rooted in national pride. “Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just a slogan for us,” he says. “It’s our daily mantra.”

SMPP’s achievements in the “Make in India” story go well beyond domestic contracts. Its exports span over 25 countries, including Armenia, Colombia, the Philippines, France, Germany, Brazil, and the USA. Notable among these is the supply of 60,000 ballistic helmets and 45,000 bulletproof plates to Armenia, and a major vehicle armouring project for Colombia—both accomplished with uncompromising quality and precision.

And SMPP is not stopping there. A sprawling 800-acre facility is under construction in Himachal Pradesh for the indigenous manufacturing of large-calibre ammunition. The company has already secured industrial licenses for tanks, artillery, mortars, and infantry-support weapons. “This move will help India reduce imports in a sector that provides strategic deterrence,” says Kansal.

Innovation Through Inclusion

SMPP’s commitment to inclusivity is also visible in its product design. For instance, its specially developed ballistic helmets for Sikh soldiers reflect a deep understanding of operational comfort and cultural sensitivities. “The design includes a discreet rise to accommodate the turban comfortably while blending seamlessly with standard combat attire,” explains Kansal.

This philosophy extends to all of SMPP’s R&D: protection without compromise on comfort. From dynamic weight distribution systems to high-buoyancy jackets for riverine and amphibious operations, the company’s products are made to adapt to the unique physical and tactical demands of Indian forces.

The Roadblocks Ahead—and the Way Forward

Despite its successes, Kansal acknowledges the systemic challenges that still plague the Indian defence industry—especially for MSMEs. “Sustaining defence manufacturing is not easy,” he says. “Without long-term contracts, the business becomes cyclical. The single-buyer nature of defence procurement means every new order comes with a fresh round of trials and tests, often in complex, highly competitive environments.”

He believes the solution lies in deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. “We’ve built a vast ecosystem of defence PSUs over the decades. It’s time to leverage their scale and our agility together. The goal should not be who leads the project, but how to co-create the best, most competitive product globally.”

The Journey So Far, and the Road Ahead

For Kansal, there have been many defining moments—the accolades from Defence Ministers, the patents granted, and the international wins. But if he had to choose one, it would be the landmark contract to supply 1,86,138 bulletproof jackets to the Indian Army. “That changed everything for us. It was our moonshot.”

As he reflects on the company’s journey, his thoughts turn to the next generation. “My message to young engineers and innovators is simple,” he says, quoting Robert Frost: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

“With emerging fields like AI, quantum computing, and robotics redefining warfare, India needs you. But we also need to make the system faster—less red tape, more responsiveness—if we are to truly unlock our nation’s potential.”

Conclusion: Towards Viksit Bharat

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, companies like SMPP are laying the foundation for a secure, self-reliant, and technologically advanced future. In a world where the lines between warzones and peacetimes are increasingly blurred, SMPP’s mission is clear: empower our soldiers, strengthen national defence, and build for the world, from India.

Because in the fight for sovereignty, the greatest weapon is self-belief. And the strongest armour is the one built at home.