Tech Desk: In a significant move to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of its bomb disposal units, the Indian Army is set to acquire approximately 350 advanced Portable Stand-Off Explosive Detectors. This procurement aims to modernize the military’s counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) inventory with cutting-edge technology, enabling threat detection from a safe distance without physical contact.

Earlier this week, the Army’s Combat Engineers Directorate issued a Request for Information (RFI) for hand-held systems capable of “safe stand-off inspection.” These sophisticated devices must detect and identify traces of military, commercial, and homemade explosives, yielding clear results in under 30 seconds. They need to be highly versatile, identifying both organic and inorganic explosive materials in various states, including vapor, liquid, powder, and particle forms.

The urgency for such advanced equipment is underscored by the persistent IED threat, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces recently neutralized devices in Shopian and Poonch. This procurement is part of a broader counter-IED overhaul, which also includes inquiries for telescopic manipulators and dual-technology mine detectors.

Aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, this acquisition falls under ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ or similar categories, mandating at least 50% indigenous content. India has already made strides in domestic counter-IED technology, with DRDO and ECIL delivering detectors to the Intelligence Bureau. Once the RFI phase concludes, the Army will issue a formal Request for Proposal, followed by rigorous field trials before awarding the contract.