What is Vibhav Anti-Tank Munition?

About Vibhav Anti-Tank Munition

• It is a self-neutralising anti-tank mine.
• Designed and developed completely indigenously in a joint venture with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India, “Vibhav” is a point-attack anti-tank munition.
• It is designed to provide mobility kill against all enemy armoured vehicles.
• The munition is under production by the Kalyani Group for the Indian Army.
• Features:
  • The anti-tank mine is made of new-age plastic, which gives it adequate strength and durability to withstand the requirements of storage, handling and operating in varying field conditions.
  • The munition can be laid both mechanically or manually.
  • A host of safety and actuation mechanisms have been incorporated in “Vibhav” to make it safe to handle, lethal against targets and reliable.
  • The integrated explosive, mechanical and electronic safety features ensure utmost operator safety.
  • The munition also incorporates an electronic anti-handling and anti-lift device (EAHALD) that stays active for 120 days once armed.
  • It has mechanical timers. Due to this, after 120 days, it will be self-neutralised.
  • It has a storage life of 10 years with no special storage requirements.

Q1) What is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services. The organisation was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

Source: 600 self-neutralising 'Vibhav' anti-tank mines with safety mechanism inducted into Army