In a significant boost to India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Nagpur-based Solar Industries, has developed and received Indian Navy certification for three new explosive formulations with enhanced power and safety features.
This development marks a critical step in improving the effectiveness of Indian munitions.
High-Performance SEBEX-2
EEL's SEBEX-2, a high-performance explosive, boasts a TNT equivalence of 2.01. TNT equivalence measures an explosive's power relative to trinitrotoluene (TNT).SEBEX-2's high equivalence means it delivers a significantly stronger blast than conventional explosives, such as DENTEX/TORPEX used in Pinaka warheads, which typically have a TNT equivalence of 1.25-1.30.
Even the powerful HEMEX explosive used in the BrahMos missile has a lower TNT equivalence of 1.45-1.50. This increased power could revolutionize the effectiveness of warheads, aerial bombs, and artillery shells.
Thermobaric SITBEX-1
EEL also developed SITBEX-1, a solid thermobaric explosive. Thermobaric explosives, also known as fuel-air explosives, are designed to create a longer-lasting, high-temperature explosion, making them particularly effective against fortified structures like bunkers and tunnels.SITBEX-1 exhibits superior blast impulse, fireball temperature, and fireball diameter compared to conventional explosives.
Insensitive SIMEX-4
The third explosive, SIMEX-4, is an insensitive explosive formulation. Insensitive munitions are designed to withstand accidental ignition during storage, transportation, and handling, significantly enhancing safety without compromising effectiveness.SIMEX-4 demonstrated high shock insensitivity and a large critical diameter, key parameters indicating its insensitivity, exceeding the performance of current insensitive explosives used in naval warheads.
Significance and Implications
These developments mark a significant stride towards India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing. The increased power of SEBEX-2 could potentially enhance the effectiveness of Indian weaponry, while the specialized applications of SITBEX-1 and the safety of SIMEX-4 could open up new tactical possibilities.The Indian Navy's successful certification tests and the compliance certificate issued under the Defence Export Promotion Scheme on June 25th underscore the potential for these explosives to contribute significantly to India's defence capabilities and potentially even for export.
