DRDO Special Anti Mine Boots For Indian Army

Defense News ,India :- The prevailing majority of anti-personnel mines globally are pressure-activated, designed to explode under the weight of a person walking on them. To mitigate the risk, meticulous design and mathematical considerations have emphasized distributing the soldier's weight over a large surface area to reduce the pressure per unit area, making it insufficient to trigger most mines.

Despite ongoing global efforts to eliminate anti-personnel mines, their numbers persist, posing a threat to both military personnel and civilians in conflict zones. The Treaty of Ottawa, in effect for nearly three decades, has not significantly impacted the situation.

In response to this persistent threat, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Boot Anti Mine Infantry (BAMI) for assault operations. This efficient foot protection system boasts a lower mass, providing ease of movement without causing fatigue. Crafted from chrome-tanned leather, the BAMI not only shields against extreme temperatures but also protects the wearer's foot from the debris generated by an anti-personnel mine explosion.

Anti-personnel mines containing high explosive can exert a peak pressure of 45,000 kg/cm2 upon detonation. The BAMI successfully reduces this explosive overpressure to less than 100 kg/cm2, a safe pressure transmitted to the wearer's heel. Independent lab tests have confirmed the boots' ability to resist the blast of a 35-gram CE pellet, equivalent in weight to a human.

The upper part of the BAMI is constructed from chrome-tanned leather, offering protection against elements and debris resulting from mine explosions. The sole features two configurations for the heel and ball sides, each incorporating deflectors made of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) to absorb and redirect blast energy. Ceramic honeycomb material further absorbs stress and minimizes the energy transmitted to the wearer's foot.

The ball side of the sole combines woollen felt and ceramic honeycomb material for lighter weight and enhanced comfort. Both configurations are integrated into the flexible and wear-resistant polyurethane sole.

It is essential to note that while these specialized boots strengthen protection against pressure mines, they may not safeguard against directed anti-personnel mines activated by an operator's command or a blown fuse. Nevertheless, these anti-mine shoes have proven effective in preventing serious injuries to soldiers, underscoring their utility. Looking ahead, advancements in robotic mine-clearing equipment offer promising prospects for enhanced minefield safety. 

For the Indian Army, these specially designed boots cater to soldiers deployed in Northern and Eastern Commands, specifically along the Line of Control (LOC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, as well as in Arunachal Pradesh.