In a move to enhance troop protection, the French government has signed a contract with SilMach to develop shock-sensitive microsensors for military body armor. The 3-million-euro deal spans seven years and focuses on integrating these sensors into ballistic plates used in bulletproof vests.
The plates, composed of composite layers and ceramic, can become ineffective if damaged — even from seemingly minor incidents like being dropped. The new sensor is designed to autonomously detect any significant impact and indicate whether the ceramic plate may have been compromised.
Requiring no external power source, the sensor uses a visual signal to alert users of possible internal fractures. By offering real-time monitoring, this technology eliminates the need for costly statistical testing and helps ensure that protective gear remains fully functional in the field.
