Indian Army Introduces Advanced Protective Gear for Military Dogs, Including Smart Collars and Bulletproof Vests
The Indian Army is stepping up efforts to ensure the safety and operational effectiveness of its canine warriors by introducing specialized protective equipment, notably smart collars and lightweight bulletproof vests. This initiative aims to provide greater protection and health monitoring for military dogs deployed in challenging and often hazardous environments.
Military dogs have long served crucial roles within the Indian Army, performing tasks such as explosive detection, search and rescue operations, patrolling sensitive areas, and assisting in counter-terrorism missions. These canine warriors often work under extreme climatic conditions and are regularly exposed to risks, including physical stress, heat exhaustion, respiratory problems, and even serious injuries from bullets or shrapnel.
To better safeguard these valuable animals, the Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) is developing technologically advanced smart collars. These collars are designed to offer continuous, real-time health monitoring by tracking essential vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiration, and heart rate variability. Additionally, they can measure calorie expenditure to assess the physical exertion levels of the dogs during missions. This technology ensures that handlers are quickly alerted to any abnormal health indicators, enabling rapid intervention and preventing potential health complications.
Complementing the smart collars, lightweight and modular bulletproof vests are also being developed specifically for canine units. These new vests, designed with indigenous technology, will provide vital protection against bullets and shrapnel without compromising the dogs’ mobility and agility. Unlike previously imported vests, which were heavy and restricted the movement of the animals, these innovative vests are expected to weigh less than two kilograms and can be customized according to mission-specific needs.
The Army’s decision to enhance protective measures for military dogs underscores the importance placed on their role as key operational assets. By investing in improved safety and health monitoring, the Indian Army seeks to prolong the service life of these canine warriors while significantly improving their operational efficiency and effectiveness on the field.
