MKU Ltd-Pioneering excellence in defence manufacturing and global reach

MKU’s stand at Eurosatory 2022 and 2024 at Paris.

Emerging as M Kumar Udyog in 1985, it did not take long for the company to establish itself in the defence manufacturing industry. By 1989, it was already supplying critical protection systems, such as fibreglass helmets, to the Indian Army. In 2003, MKU secured its first international order for body armour from the Spanish Army. By 2005, the company rebranded as MKU Ltd and has since catered to nearly 250 clients across more than 100 nations. MKU also operates two international production facilities, one in Germany and another in the UAE, and collaborates with approximately 3000 channel partners to ensure smooth operations globally. Vayu visited the MKU key facilities based in Kanpur, which serve dedicated roles in production, finishing and testing of MKU products. We were introduced with the complex machinery and meticulous human oversight. MKU’s products are not only cost–effective compared to leading industry entities but also meet high–quality standards, evidenced by international certifications like NATO AQAP and ISO 9001:2015. The company’s Research & Development (R&D) division focuses on testing new designs and enhancing existing products. We observed several products in the final stages of testing, like Aviation Night Vision Goggles (ANVGs) for helicopter pilots and SCH–111T helmets for Sikh soldiers. MKU product range is divided into two main categories: KAVRO for self–protection and NETRO for Electro– Optical (Optronics) systems, with both categories further sub–divided to serve individual and platform demands separately. There exists more than 25+ products in the Netro (optronics) segment itself and for the other segment i.e Kavro (self–protection), they have 4 different verticals (Body armour, Armour insert, Ballistic shield, Ballistic helmet).

KAVRO Armour solutions

The KAVRO armour lineup for individual and vehicle self–protection is a primary highlight of the MKU portfolio. Firstly, the individual body vests come in various ranges, like soft body armour, hard body armour, tactical vests and more. The plate carriers, are made compatible to offer both protection and comfort to the user, dealing with threats like direct bullet hits, shrapnel or trauma. The Strike Face armour plates are designed to withstand Level III to Level IV protection, which covers pistols, rifles and most of the small arms (depending on the level). Speaking of vehicle protection, MKU Ltd offers high– grade protection provisions for both aerial and ground vehicles belonging to military and law enforcement units. Their modular armour solutions use cutting–edge materials like composite laminates, advanced ceramics, High–Performance PolyEthylene (HPPE), and aramid fibres. These materials provide high protection levels while keeping the vehicles lightweight and manoeuvrable. The add–on armour kits are easy to install and maintain, allowing quick field upgrades. MKU also provides mine protection and IED defence systems, including blast–resistant seats, floor protection, and underbelly armour made from high energy absorbing materials. These systems absorb and dissipate explosive energy, reducing the impact on vehicles and occupants. By advancing their technology and materials, MKU ensures top tier vehicle protection against evolving threats.

Head protection

The ballistic helmet range of MKU is globally acclaimed due to its success in both domestic and foreign markets, empowering and strengthening the personnel belonging to military and law enforcement. The ballistic helmet lineup has are Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), High Cut Helmet (HCH), Mid Cut Helmet (MCH) and Personnel Armour System for Ground Troop (PASGT). The helmets also come with an optional add–on kit called Modular Accessory Connector System (MACS) that is a patented product of the firm itself. It offers seamless, on–the–go, compatibility with nearly all kinds of head mounted sensors and modern combat equipment like communication systems, night vision goggles, cameras, torches, etc.

MKU Sikh helmets: Modern protection for modern warriors

Kavro SCH 111T (Image: MKU)

From the outset, Sikh warriors have worn their customary turbans on the frontlines, while their comrades had modern protective headgear. Now, the SCH 111T is the world’s first advanced combat helmet designed specifically for Sikh soldiers. The Kavro SCH 111T accommodates the traditional ‘cloth patka’ worn by Sikh soldiers, providing comprehensive ballistic protection, a lightweight design, and a 40% reduction in behind–helmet blunt trauma. It supports attachments like night vision goggles, flashlights, and cameras, ensuring no limitations during operations. 

MKU’s SCH 111T addresses a significant gap in protective headgear for Sikh soldiers globally, including those in the US, Canada, and the UK. The helmet’s bolt free design ensures uncompromised protection, and the Twisfit stability harness offers excellent stability with accessories. This initiative by MKU not only enhances safety but also brings awareness to the need for specialised protective equipment for the Sikh community, both in military and civilian contexts. MKU’s portfolio also includes platform armouring solutions for land, sea, and air vehicles, offering both internal and external armour plating. Their armouring solutions are deployed in various helicopters, armoured vehicles, and naval vessels for both Indian and international customers.

NETRO Aviation night vision goggles

NETRO NB–3101 Aviation Night Vision Goggles (ANVG) is one of the latest products by MKU which has gained interest from the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force had contracted the company to procure the system for Mi–17 and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) crew. The Gen III Night Vision system has 10,000 hours of service life, until the tube gets burned. It can provide effective visual aid in the night and pitch dark conditions, safeguarding the life of the crew and helicopter during mission in the hours of darkness. We had the opportunity to closely interact with the system, looking at its functionality and adaptability. ANVG can be fitted on different types of aircrew helmet, as per the requirement by the client. The Indian Air Force currently equips the helicopter pilots with French MSA Gallet helmet. deployed in various helicopters, armoured vehicles, and naval vessels for both Indian and international customers.

Tank night sight system

The Indian battle tank fleet has started getting integrated with night sight systems by MKU. The Netro TD–5100 Driver Night Sight is a sophisticated solution currently being integrated on T–90S “Bhisma” tanks. It utilises a fusion of thermal core and day optic technologies to provide enhanced situational awareness, allowing tank operators to manoeuvre their tanks efficiently at night and in pitch dark conditions. Offering improved depth perception, situational awareness, and detection ranges, the driver night sight compatible with other T–series tanks, BMPs, and armoured vehicles.

Future MRSAS: VR for tank crew

In efforts for modernisation of armed forces, MKU Ltd. is jointly working with Vegvisir to develop Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System (MRSAS), a state of the art visual aid system for armoured crew, which will be tailor made to cater Indian requirements. The system will be based on the existing CORE platform, which is tested across certain armoured vehicles. The new version will be introduced with better and more functionalities, and suitable for assets in Indian mechanised infantry and armoured units, including Main Battle Tanks. MRSAS for vehicle crew is same as a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for fighter pilots. It will digitally display most of the information to the personnel without looking at external screens or dials. The system includes vehicle mounted cameras, sensors, and a headset for crewman. It is capable of offering obstruction less view, so that the crew don’t need to fully rely on manual sighting systems. It will be similar to a Virtual Reality (VR) experience, providing a 360° view to the operator, though with complex, realistic and serious applications. MKU Ltd and Estonian company Vegvisir had signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2024 for co–operation in development of situational awareness systems. However, it is confirmed that MRSAS is currently one of the systems on which the work is undergoing. MKU’s legacy is built on producing a wide range of state of the art products that undergo rigorous testing before delivery. Customer feedback consistently confirms the effectiveness and quality of their products, with MKU addressing any issues that arise. With a strong presence in Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA), MKU is poised to further expand its global footprint. MKU’s dedication to innovation, quality assurance, and global outreach firmly positions it as a notable contributor to the defence manufacturing sector, promising modern military technology with high grade quality and proven performance.

Article by Nitin Konde and Rishav Gupta

Photos (positioned in no particular order): The Vayu Team