– Baishali Mukherjee

On February 4, the Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop advanced epoxy bamboo-based composites for bunker construction in high-altitude regions. These areas are mostly in Arunachal Pradesh whose northern border runs along the Eastern Himalayas. This initiative aims to replace conventional materials with a lightweight, durable, and sustainable alternative, enhancing defense infrastructure in extreme environments.

As part of the project, composite panels will be designed, fabricated, and subjected to rigorous field trials, including exposure to small arms fire and harsh weather conditions, to validate their strength and reliability. These innovative materials are expected to offer protection comparable to traditional options while significantly reducing weight, thereby improving logistics and simplifying transportation to remote locations.

The MoU was formalized in a ceremony attended by Major General Rohin Bawa, YSM, GOC of the Red Horns Division, and Professor Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati. This collaboration aligns with the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative and supports the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission, promoting self-reliance in defense technology.

“The project will culminate in the construction of multiple defence works in high-altitude terrain for field trials, where they will be subjected to small arms fire and endure an entire weather cycle,” a Defence statement said.

Major General Bawa emphasized the significance of synergy between academia, industry, and defense organizations in fostering innovation. He expressed confidence that this partnership would lead to cutting-edge advancements in defense technology, strengthening India’s operational capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to technological self-sufficiency.

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