Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a materials science and engineering solutions provider and part of the 125-year-old Murugappa Group, has achieved STANAG 4569 Level 4 qualification for its end-to-end “powder-to-panel” armour solution for vehicles. The qualification marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
STANAG 4569 is an internationally recognised standard for assessing the protection levels of armoured vehicles. CUMI’s latest qualification covers its advanced ceramic-based armour solution, designed to protect against high-velocity projectiles and fragmentation while optimising weight for vehicle mobility and platform integration.
The qualification adds to CUMI’s portfolio of ballistic protection solutions, which includes advanced ceramics and ready-to-fit composite armour panels for personal protection and armoured vehicles. Its products have been validated by Indian and international agencies against protection standards including NIJ, BIS and NATO’s STANAG 4569.
CUMI is among the few Indian companies to have secured STANAG 4569 Level 3 and Level 4 certifications for IED side-blast protection of armoured vehicles and tanks. Its ceramic composite armour panels for armoured personnel carriers and tanks have also been certified to STANAG 4569 Levels 2, 3 and 4. With the latest qualification, the company has secured a total of 10 Indian and international certifications for armour ceramics and composite panels used in personal protection and armoured vehicles.
The company’s armour solutions have undergone testing and validation at DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) and IABG, Germany. CUMI is also pursuing qualification of its advanced ceramic composite panels for STANAG 4569 under-belly blast protection of armoured vehicles.
Subbu Venkatachalam, Head – Defence & Aerospace, CUMI, said, “Testing and qualification is one of the most critical stages in defence production. Our work directly impacts the lives of soldiers, which is why the qualification criteria are extremely stringent. Even a small deviation can lead to disqualification and months of delay. By ensuring that our ballistic protection solutions are already fully qualified at the very start of the supply chain, we enable OEMs and defence partners to build high-performance, mission-critical platforms with complete confidence and without added risk.”
Dr S Christopher, former Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, said, “The greatest challenges for Indian defence have been the procurement and processing of advanced materials, along with testing and validation. Having the qualifications and certifications for materials and components in advance will give a much-needed shot-in-the-arm to OEMs for accelerated indigenous manufacturing and innovation, as per the most advanced Indian and global benchmarks.”
CUMI’s armour portfolio includes patented Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide (RBSiC) and Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composite panels. Its integrated capabilities cover material development, processing, engineering and manufacturing of ready-to-fit armour solutions. The company’s first armour certification was for a patented lightweight composite vehicle armour developed in collaboration with DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL).
The qualification supports India’s defence indigenisation efforts by strengthening domestic capabilities in advanced protection materials and reducing dependence on imported solutions. CUMI commissioned dedicated facilities for advanced ceramic components during FY2025-26 to address opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Established in 1954 as a tripartite joint venture, Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) is a materials science and engineering solutions provider with integrated operations across mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. Its product portfolio includes abrasives, electrominerals, ceramics, refractories and energy storage materials, serving industrial customers across global markets.
In FY2025-26, CUMI undertook its highest-ever capital expenditure programme, with consolidated capital expenditure of ₹3,094 million. The investments included dedicated facilities for advanced ceramic components for aerospace and defence applications, strengthening its technology and manufacturing capabilities in specialised materials and engineering.
