Technical Textiles for Defense Applications

Dr. K S Sundararaman , MD, Shiva Texyarn Limited

& Vice Chairman, ITTA

Textiles in DefenseIndian contextParticularly ArmyTechnical textile Vs Regular Textile

Current Procurement SystemMGO- Master General OrdananceDRDODGQADGPPOFBDirect Purchase on Global Tender

ChallengesOut dated systems and red TapeLack of Connect between users-providersLack of an R &D team in each AgencyGeneral distrust towards private sectorBroad range of requirements from multiple

divisions- BRO to Ordanance, Parachutes to High Alt Gear

Long induction process- Specs finalisation and approval, User trials in multiple environments

Need to educate– latest material available elsewhere

Some examples of Obsolete equipmentZipTarpsUniforms, socks

OpportunitiesClothing –regular and specialCollective protection including rigid

structuresCarrying gearExtreme Cold weather requirementsInflatablesParachutesCoverings of various typesAircraft Arrestor tapesWipes & Filter fabric

ITTA’s roleFacilitatorKnowledge sharing by ITTA members with

the Armed forcesFostering Joint developmentDifferentiating Technical Textiles from

TextilesHighlighting that Technical Textiles also need

to be “ Made in India”

So far--Two meetingsJoint seminar cum exhibition In Jan-Feb 2015Prelim list of requirements given by the Army

for circulation to membersVisit to Kanpur in Oct to AHSP and other

organisations