Carborundum Universal Ltd (CUMI), has achieved STANAG 4569 Level 4 qualification for a complete ceramic based armour protection solution. This strengthens CUMI’s position in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing industry and diversifies its range of internationally qualified ballistic protection solutions.
The armour solution has been developed by the 125-year-old Murugappa Group, using advanced ceramic materials, with integrated manufacturing processes.
STANAG 4569 is an international standard that sets out how military armoured vehicles should be protected. By achieving Level 4 qualification CUMI’s ceramic based armour protection solution ensures protection from high velocity threats and fragmentation. Ensuring they can keep their weight down.
This accreditation will help the Ministry of Defence’s modernization drives for the Indian Army, CAPF’s and indigenous armoured vehicles. As well as supporting domestic manufacture capability.
CUMI broadens its range of accredited solutions:
CUMI is one of only a few Indian companies to achieve STANAG 4569 Level 3 & 4 qualification for IED side blast protection for armoured vehicles and tanks.
Ceramic composite armour protection panels for armoured personnel carriers and tanks have achieved STANAG 4569 Level 2, 3 & 4. This gives CUMI a total of 10 certifications (both Indian & International) for armour ceramics and composite panels for personal and vehicle protection.
The company’s range of ballistic protection systems have been tested and validated at DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Lab (TBRL) and IABG in Germany. CUMI are currently working towards achieving STANAG 4569 under belly blast protection using their advanced ceramic composites.
Lightweight Protection Solutions:
CUMI’s armour protection range include patented Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide (RBSiC) and Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composites. Protection solutions for bullet proof jackets, helmets, neck collars, groin protection and armour protection for armoured personnel carriers and tanks are manufactured.
Personal protection ceramics comply with NIJ III, IV and BIS Level 5 & 6 requirements. Multi hit solutions are available. Vehicle armour protection panels comply with STANAG 4569 Level 2, 3 & 4. Side blast IED protection panels comply with Level 3 & 4.
“Testing and qualification is one of the most critical stages in defence production. Our work directly impacts the lives of soldiers, which is why the qualification criteria are extremely stringent. Even a small deviation can lead to disqualification and months of delay.” If there is any variation then we won’t qualify and will lose many months, said Subbu Venkatachalam, Head – Defence & Aerospace, CUMI.
Former Secretary Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr S. Christopher emphasised how important it is to qualify advanced materials early.
He said, “The greatest challenges for Indian defence have been the procurement and processing of advanced materials, along with testing & validation. Having the qualifications and certifications for materials and components in advance will give a much-needed shot-in-the-arm to OEMs for accelerated indigenous manufacturing and innovation, as per the most advanced Indian and global benchmarks.”
Building Defence Manufacturing capability:
The company has invested in specialist facilities in FY2025-26 to improve advanced ceramic component manufacturing.
Leveraging over seven decades of materials science experience the company aims to build a strong domestic supply chain for advanced ballistic protection materials within India.
