Kanpur-based defence manufacturer MKU Limited has secured a significant multi-year contract to supply over 200,000 advanced ballistic helmets to an undisclosed Southeast Asian country.
The agreement, which comes after a rigorous selection process, is one of the largest of its kind in the region and is seen as a notable win for India’s growing defence manufacturing sector.
While the identity of the purchasing country has not been made public, company officials describe the end user as one of the most stringent and technically demanding armed forces in Asia. The selection followed a competitive evaluation process involving established manufacturers from Europe, Southeast Asia, and India.
MKU’s helmets, certified to NIJ Level IIIA, were selected for their lightweight construction, comfort, and field-tested reliability. The contract also includes specialised configurations for paratrooper and airborne units, tailored to the operational needs of the customer.
Speaking on the development, MKU’s Managing Director Neeraj Gupta said the deal reflects the increasing acceptance of Indian defence products in global markets. He also pointed out that this aligns with the broader goals of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing and exports.
India’s Expanding Footprint in ASEAN Defence Markets
MKU is among the few Indian defence firms with a track record of exports to ASEAN countries, having previously supplied equipment to the armed forces of Indonesia, the Philippine National Police, and other entities in the region. To date, the company has exported:
- Over 120,000 body armours
- Around 30,000 ballistic helmets
- More than 1,000 night vision devices
The company has also reported growing interest in several of its specialised protection systems, including the Kavro TAC-I-IIA, an integrated body armour system that includes a backpack and exo-load bearing features, claimed to reduce a soldier’s carried load by up to 30%.
The company has also reported growing interest in several of its specialised protection systems, including the Kavro TAC-I-IIA, an integrated body armour system that includes a backpack and exo-load bearing features, claimed to reduce a soldier’s carried load by up to 30%.
Other equipment gaining attention in the region includes the Kavro ACH 115B, a high-fragmentation helmet with face protection; the Kavro ACH 1027T, designed to protect against high-velocity rifle rounds; and Netro custom sighting systems for use with a range of infantry weapons.
Significance of the Deal
This latest contract is part of a broader trend in which Indian defence firms are winning competitive bids in international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. While India’s total defence exports remain relatively modest in global terms, such deals help reinforce India’s position as a reliable supplier of battlefield-tested, cost-effective military gear.
The contract also reflects shifting dynamics in regional security, where several Southeast Asian nations are upgrading their defence capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. By opting for an Indian supplier over traditional Western manufacturers, the unnamed country signals increasing trust in India’s defence industrial base.
Team BharatShakti