CUMI, DRDO Forge Partnership to Advance Defence Indigenization Efforts

Officials from TIDCO, CUMI, and AIDAT with Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, DRDO and Dr S Christopher, Former Chairman, DRDO

Chennai, India – Carborundum Universal Ltd (CUMI), a leading materials science company and a constituent of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group has been closely working with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support their indigenization initiatives.

The company supplies ceramic plates for bulletproof vests and tiles for armored vehicles. These products are manufactured in India, including the grains needed to make them. CUMI’s lightweight ceramic ballistic protection materials, which include reaction-bonded silicon carbide, high purity alumina, and zirconia-toughened alumina, are designed to meet threat levels conforming to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ‘Level IV’ and STANAG Level 3 global standards. They are ergonomic and customizable into various sizes and shapes for use in bulletproof vests and armored vehicles.

Another area CUMI focuses on is supplying fine powders for making ceramic thermal spray coatings. These coatings are required in the manufacture and maintenance of aircraft engines and components to provide protection against heat and wear. The company is working with various research organizations under DRDO on the development of this product.

Subbu Venkatachalam, Head, Marketing, CUMI, commented. “As a leading company in advanced materials, CUMI is well-positioned to manufacture key cutting-edge components that support indigenous product development and strengthen India’s defence capabilities.” During the recent high-level meeting in New Delhi, he added that Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, DRDO, agreed to facilitate necessary technical and advisory support alongside product development for CUMI.

Image Source: Carborundum Universal Ltd.