India gets its Universal soldier

Troops to be armed with self-injecting solutions during chemical wars; will also carry anti-cyanide drug vials

India gets its Universal soldier

Troops to be armed with self-injecting solutions during chemical wars; will also carry anti-cyanide drug vials

Antidotes to fight nerve damages and blisters

Remember Jean-Claude Van Damme as the indestructible soldier armed with self-injectable energy boosters from the Hollywood flick Universal Soldier? Now, some parts of the thriller are ready to be replicated at our borders.

With the rising threat of nuclear and biological warfare in a terrorised world, the country's defence forces are gearing up to deal with fatal chemical attacks.

Chemical Ali

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed two self-injectable chemicals that will be carried by soldiers to save themselves from chemical contamination.

"We have developed two auto-jet injectors which will keep soldiers safe from the ill-effects of chemicals during a war. One of the antidotes works against nerve damages, while the other one saves a soldier from blister-causing agents. Both can be administered by the soldier himself right in the battlefield," said Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, Life Sciences, DRDO.

These two drugs have already reached the forces and industrial partners have been roped in for their production.

Miracle dope

Another miracle drug that is being developed can protect a person from cyanide poisoning. "Laboratory tests have been conducted successfully and the next step of human trials will begin shortly," Selvamurthy said.

Interestingly, the anti-cyanide poisoning drug Alpha Ketoglutarate is banned in the sporting world due to its performance enhancement qualities.

"Cyanide poisoning affects human cells by cutting the oxygen supply to them. Alpha Ketoglutarate is the only antidote against it. Animal trails have proved its capabilities and we are hopeful it will be made available to the defence forces very soon," said Selvamurthy.

DRDO officials also informed the drug can help firemen, who are often exposed to deadly fumes. "In case of a fire, the fumes are more dangerous than the blaze. The smoke can not only hamper rescue operations, it can kill a person as well. This medicine is an effective antidote to fume poisoning," said a senior DRDO official, wishing anonymity.

The drug has civil uses as well. "It can be used in cases of intentional or accidental poisoning," said the official.

Makers
The antidotes are being prepared by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), which has applied to the Drug Controller General of India for approval.

Taboo for some
The anti-cyanide poisoning drug Alpha Ketoglutarate is banned in the sporting world due to its performance enhancement qualities.

Army 2020
The Army has envisaged a concept called Future Infantry Soldier as Combat System that aims at enhancing the capability of infantry personnel by adding special gadgets to the uniform. The project, which is still at its concept stage, is expected to become a reality by 2020.

>>The uniform will have special gadgets which will help the soldier guide the fighter aircraft to the enemy target
>>Palm top data receivers attached to the uniform. The device will get charged from the uniform
>>Guns will be more lethal with under barrel rocket launchers
>>The clothing will be modified to act as an antiseptic adhesive to heal skin and bone injuries
>>Fireproof combat uniform to protect the soldier in the battlefield
>>Uniform will have special communication devices attached to it for better coordination between troops

Suit to live
DRDO has incorporated vials of these miracle drugs in the Nuclear-Chemical-Biological (NBC) suit that will be worn by our soldiers in the near future. The suit is the primary protection layer against chemical contamination and special tests are being carried out to equip it with life-saving mechanisms. "This is not mere clothing but can carry several life-saving medicines and gadgets that can save lives during a war," said a DRDO official.