IIT Bombay develops smarter bunkers, boosting Indian Army's defence
The researchers at IIT Bombay to evolving warfare tactics and the growing use of advanced munitions, have developed modular bunkers aimed at offering stronger protection for soldiers and critical defence infrastructure.This project, developed over a span of nine years, focuses on replacing traditional permanent defences with systems that can be deployed quickly and function more effectively in forward and high-risk areas.advertisementThe recent Indo-Pak conflict, which unfolded last month, has brought national focus to the country's defence readiness and the risks such confrontations pose to civilians.
The threat became real when drones carrying ammunition and missiles crossed into Indian airspace, putting lives in immediate danger.The development of IIT Bombay came at a very crucial time and will impact the preparedness of Indian defence in tough times in the future. Led by Professor Manish Kumar of IIT Bombay in collaboration with the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, the team tested these modular bunkers at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MICS) in Ahilyanagar.Lt. Col Bharatbhushan More spearheaded the recent trials, following a major initiative by Lt. Col Alok Dua.
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MODULAR DESIGN OFFERS QUICK ASSEMBLY AND ENHANCED PROTECTIONThe new bunkers address the limitations of traditional PDs, which are typically built using local materials like stones, wire mesh, cement, and sandbags.These structures are difficult to construct in forward areas due to logistical challenges and lack of resources.Moreover, conventional shelters offer limited resistance to modern artillery and missile attacks.To solve these problems, the researchers developed modular bunkers made from prefabricated ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) blocks and panels.These components are designed for quick assembly, requiring no specialised skills. Each block weighs under 20 kg and fits together like LEGO bricks. The bunkers can be erected rapidly even in remote or high-risk zones.The structure's curved roof panels are a key feature, offering improved protection against aerial attacks. Unlike flat slabs, these curved panels can deflect incoming projectiles and withstand greater impact.
MODULAR BUNKERS WITHSTAND REAL COMBAT CONDITIONSTesting revealed that curved panels offer five times the resistance of flat slabs of the same material and thickness.The team conducted extensive trials simulating ballistic and explosive impacts. The new PDs were tested with real ammunition and artillery blasts to assess structural integrity, resistance to spalling, and fragmentation.advertisementResults showed that the modular bunkers performed significantly better than traditional shelters, even with thinner walls. They sustained multiple direct missile impacts without structural failure.The design is modular, allowing for scalability based on the level of threat. Wall thickness can be increased by simply adding more interlocking blocks.This makes the bunkers adaptable for a range of combat scenarios.This initiative, combining academic research with field-testing, is a step forward in modern defence infrastructure.The modular bunkers not only enhance the safety of soldiers stationed near conflict zones but also allow the military to respond quickly to changing battlefield needs.With growing threats from precision-guided munitions and drone warfare, such innovation could play a crucial role in India's defence preparedness.
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