IIT Bombay Builds Rapid‑Deploy ‘Smart Bunkers’ to Boost Army Defense
In a significant leap forward for battlefield infrastructure, researchers at IIT Bombay, in partnership with the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, have developed modular, high-performance bunkers designed to offer swift deployment and enhanced protection for soldiers and strategic assets.
Modular Bunkers
Developed over nine years, these shelters are built from prefabricated ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) blocks and curved panels. Each interlocking block weighs under 20 kg—comparable to LEGO bricks—enabling rapid, tool-free assembly even in remote or forward deployment zones. The innovative design replaces traditional, labor-intensive constructions made from sandbags, wire mesh, stone, and cement.
Rapid Assembly & Scalability
Soldiers can erect these bunkers by hand, without heavy machinery or specialized equipment. The modular nature allows for scaling wall thickness by adding additional blocks, making the structure adaptable to various threat levels on the frontlines.
Enhanced Protection
The curved roof panels serve a crucial defensive role, deflecting aerial and ballistic impacts more effectively than flat slabs. Tests at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School in Ahilyanagar confirmed these shelters withstand direct missile and artillery hits—surviving strikes that would compromise conventional defenses. Remarkably, they provide comparable protection using just a quarter of the wall thickness found in typical bunkers.
Field Trials & Operational Readiness
Led by Professor Manish Kumar (IIT Bombay) and Lt. Col Bharatbhushan More (CME), extensive field trials validated the bunkers’ resilience to explosive shocks, spalling, and fragmentation. Tested with real ammunition, they demonstrated five-fold greater resistance to impacts and reduced internal hazards—key for keeping personnel safe during sudden engagements.
Strategic Significance
In the current era of drone warfare, loitering munitions, and high-precision artillery, rapidly erectable and robust defensive shelters are vital. These “smart bunkers” improve combat readiness and operational resiliency, especially in volatile border and high-risk zones.
Future Outlook
The IIT–CME team envisions widespread adoption of these bunkers across the Indian Army, with potential use in disaster-response settings and civilian protection. Their adaptability, ease of transport, and high protective value make them a game-changing addition to India’s defence toolkit.
