Welcron Independently Develops Lightweight Bulletproof Plate... Unveiled at Ministry of National Defense 'Excellent Commercial Products Exhibition'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Minjae] Welcron announced on the 7th that it has independently developed a new "lightweight ballistic plate" that offers the same performance as the current ballistic plates but reduces the weight by about 10%, enhancing wearability.

A ballistic plate is a product inserted into bulletproof vests to improve protective performance. Since bulletproof vests alone can only stop handgun bullets and fragments, ballistic plates are essential in combat situations. The company explained that there is a great need for products that maintain high protection performance while being lightweight and highly mobile to ensure soldiers' mission sustainability.

Welcron's Defense Division participated in the "2022 Second Half Excellent Commercial Products Pilot Use Product Briefing" held by the Ministry of National Defense at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) from the 6th to the 7th, showcasing the lightweight ballistic plate. Welcron developed a new lightweight ballistic plate that meets the NIJ Level 4 standard, capable of defending against armor-piercing rounds (Cal. 30 AP M2), while reducing weight by about 10% and thickness by about 7% compared to current ballistic plates. Through advanced manufacturing technology, they succeeded in achieving performance equivalent to the NIJ Level 4 ballistic plates currently used by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, while reducing weight.

Previously, Welcron's lightweight ballistic plate passed the Ministry of National Defense's 2022 second half excellent commercial products pilot use face-to-face evaluation with a "BBB" grade. The evaluation was conducted on a total of 125 products from 113 companies. Only 10 products, including Welcron's lightweight ballistic plate, received a BBB grade or higher, which signifies excellence in military suitability, technology and quality, marketability, and innovation. Welcron's lightweight ballistic plate will undergo demand verification from each user unit, followed by a pilot use period, after which its final adoption as military supplies will be evaluated.

A Welcron Defense Division official stated, "While guaranteeing excellent protection, we consolidated our know-how in composite material development to create a lighter ballistic plate that facilitates concealment, cover, and evasion movements as well as situational response capabilities." He added, "We will continue to protect the lives of our military personnel and contribute to enhancing military combat power through advanced material development and weight reduction."