India has recently made a significant breakthrough in the field of explosives with the development and certification of SEBEX 2, a new explosive that is 2.01 times more lethal than the standard Trinitrotoluene (TNT). This high-performance explosive, certified by the Indian Navy, is considered to be one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives globally. It’s designed to enhance the destructive power of bombs, artillery shells, and warheads without adding extra weight, opening up potential export opportunities.
According to a report by Manu Pubby in ET, SEBEX 2’s new formulation has undergone rigorous testing under the Indian Navy’s Defence Export Promotion Scheme, with final certifications recently completed. Officials have stated that the explosive’s development will boost the potency and efficiency of weapons and ammunition currently in use.
Developed by Economic Explosives Limited as part of the Make in India initiative, SEBEX 2 utilizes a composition based on high-melting explosive (HMX). This composition is expected to significantly increase the lethality of various munitions that rely on blast and fragmentation effects to damage targets. The company is also working on another variant with an explosive power rated at 2.3 times that of TNT, anticipated to be ready in the next six months.
In terms of performance, explosives are typically measured in TNT equivalence, with higher values indicating greater lethality. SEBEX 2 boasts a TNT equivalence of 2.01, surpassing most conventional explosives used in warheads globally. In comparison, the most potent conventional explosive used in India, filling the Brahmos warhead, has a TNT equivalence of approximately 1.50.
Additionally, the Navy has also certified Economic Explosives Limited’s first thermobaric explosive, SITBEX 1, which has been deployed in recent conflicts to cause extensive battlefield damage. The prolonged blast duration and intense heat generation of SITBEX 1 make it ideal for demolishing enemy bunkers, tunnels, and fortified positions.
Furthermore, the company’s insensitive munition, SIMEX 4, has also received Navy certification. SIMEX 4 is designed to be safer to store, transport, and operate compared to standard explosives. Its reduced likelihood of accidental ignition makes it suitable for applications where safety is paramount, such as in torpedo warheads within submarines.
This innovative development in the field of explosives showcases India’s commitment to advancing military technology and enhancing its defense capabilities. With the successful development and certification of SEBEX 2 and other high-performance explosives, India is poised to make a significant impact in the global arms market.
