India develops new explosive, SEBEX 2, 2.01 times more lethal than TNT

India has successfully developed and certified a new explosive that is 2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT (Trinitrotoluene).

The high-performance explosive is one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives in the world. The new formulation, which has been certified after extensive testing by the Navy, has the potential to revolutionise bombs, artillery shells and warheads by significantly improving their destructive power without increasing weight.

It is also likely to have tremendous export potential as forces across the world look to add lethality to existing weapon systems.

SEBEX 2 has been evaluated, tested and certified by the Navy under its Defence Export Promotion Scheme. "The development of the explosive will enhance the potency and efficiency of weapons and ammunition in use," officials said, adding that final certifications were completed last week.

The performance of explosives is measured in terms of TNT equivalence. Explosives with higher TNT equivalence have more lethality. At present, the most potent conventional explosive being used in India - for filling the Brahmos warhead - is graded at TNT equivalence of about 1.50. Most explosives around the world used in conventional warheads have a TNT equivalence of 1.25-1.30.

Developed by Economic Explosives Limited under the Make in India initiative, the composition based on high-melting explosive (HMX) will greatly improve the "lethality of warheads, aerial bombs, artillery shells and other munitions which utilise blast and fragmentation effects to inflict damage to targets", sources said. EEL is also working on another variant that will have an explosive power graded at 2.3 times of TNT and is confident it will be ready within six months.

SITBEX 1

The Navy has also certified the company's first thermobaric explosive, which has been used in recent conflicts to generate large-scale damage in the battlefield. SITBEX 1 has a prolonged blast duration with intense heat generation, which makes it ideal to take down enemy bunkers, tunnels and other fortified positions.

SIMEX 4

The third explosive certified by the Navy is SIMEX 4, an insensitive munition that is much safer to store, transport and operate than standard explosives. The new formulation is much less prone to accidental igniting and has applications where safety is paramount, like in torpedo warheads housed in the confined spaces of a submarine.