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Vehicle Armouring:

Sub Title : Future trends in vehicle armouring and anticipating advancements in security technology

Issues Details : Vol 18 Issue 2 May – Jun 2024

Author : Rushank Doshi, CEO, JCBL Armouring Solutions

Page No. : 24

Category : Military Technology

: June 5, 2024

Armoured vehicles are essential in various security roles, facing a demand surge due to increasing defence budgets and global security challenges. Innovations aim to make these vehicles more eco-friendly and efficient, ensuring they remain effective while minimizing environmental impact.

Armoured vehicles are indispensable in various security applications, law enforcement, and military activities. The market for armoured vehicles is anticipated to overgrow in the foreseeable future, primarily due to rising defence spending and challenges to global security. These robust, reinforced vehicles are vital resources that guarantee the security and effectiveness of those defending countries and communities. The need for advanced armoured solutions is projected to increase as the world negotiates a changing security environment, resulting in a vibrant and thriving market in the future.

Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Armoured Vehicles

The automobile industry is facing an environmental challenge due to the heavy and fuel-consuming nature of its products, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change. To tackle this problem, industry is exploring ways to make vehicles eco-friendlier and energy-efficient and the armouring industry is following the same footsteps by minimising the environmental impact without compromising their security and performance. Some of the potential solutions include:

  • Hybrid and electric technologies: In the future, more armoured vehicles can be seen using hybrid and electric technologies to reduce fossil fuels and minimise the carbon footprint. These advanced technologies offer advantages such as reduced noise, increased torque, and extended range.
  • Lightweight and composite materials: These materials can reduce the weight of armoured vehicles and improve their mobility while also providing enhanced protection against ballistic and blast threats. They offer additional benefits such as corrosion resistance, thermal insulation, and stealth capabilities. The composite material is a prime example of a lightweight armoured vehicle with a modular composite design, enabling it to be used for various missions and threats.
  • Alternative fuels: Such fuels can offer armoured vehicles a more sustainable and cost-effective energy source, especially in remote and harsh locations. This can also decrease reliance on foreign oil and increase energy security.

Smart and Connected Armoured Vehicles

Armoured vehicles industry may witness the integration of intelligent and connected technologies to improve situational awareness, communication, and decision-making capabilities.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Armoured vehicles can be equipped with advanced technologies that enable them to learn from their environment and data. These technologies help them perform various tasks, such as detecting threats, avoiding obstacles, identifying targets, and navigating autonomously. Furthermore, they can also optimise the performance and maintenance of armoured vehicles by providing predictive analytics and diagnostics.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing: New technologies are being developed that allow armoured vehicles to communicate and exchange data with other devices, platforms, and systems, including drones, satellites, and command centres. These technologies also provide access to cloud-based services and resources like storage, processing, and analytics.
  • Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR): Armoured vehicle users, such as drivers, gunners, and commanders, can benefit from immersive and interactive technologies. They can also enhance the training and simulation of armoured vehicle operations by creating realistic and engaging scenarios.

Customised and Versatile Armoured Vehicles

A trend in the vehicle armouring industry is the customization and versatility of armoured vehicles to meet diverse and evolving customer needs and preferences.

  • Modular and adaptable designs: Armoured vehicles can now be designed to have the ability to change their configuration and functionality based on the mission and threat at hand. This feature allows users to upgrade and modify their armoured vehicles by adding or removing components and systems.
  • Personalised and luxurious features: These features can provide comfort and convenience for the users of armoured vehicles, especially for VIP and civilian customers. They can also reflect the style and personality of the users by offering customised options such as colours, finishes, and interiors.
  • Innovative and creative concepts: The following ideas may challenge the traditional designs of armoured vehicles but offer unique solutions for the future. They can also inspire curiosity and imagination among users by showcasing the potential and possibilities of the vehicle armouring industry. For instance, This uncrewed ground vehicle uses a hybrid electric-diesel drive. It can carry various payloads, such as weapons, sensors, and cargo.

In Conclusion

The vehicle armouring industry is experiencing a rapidly changing and complex future with new opportunities and challenges. To succeed in this environment, the industry needs to be open to innovation and adaptation and be able to anticipate and respond to the needs and expectations of its customers.