Lucknow, October 16, 2025 — In a major upgrade to its bomb detection-and-disposal capability, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved procurement of the latest protective gear and remote technologies for its Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS). Orders issued by the state home department will bring high-performance bomb suits, four‑wheeled day‑and‑night surveillance robots, drilling machines and hook‑and‑line systems to units across the state — a package valued at ₹8,77,43,000, officials said.

The procurement is part of a broader push to modernise explosive‑ordnance‑disposal capability at a time when security agencies face a range of threats from improvised devices to suspicious packages. The home department has issued four separate orders covering the purchase of equipment that will directly increase the safety of bomb technicians and improve the standoff, detection and remote‑handling capacities of BDDS teams.

What’s being bought
• Eleven high‑performance bomb suits: Designed to protect technicians from blast overpressure and fragmentation, these full‑body armour systems cost ₹48,81,000 per unit, with the total outlay for suits reported at ₹5,36,91,000. Bomb suits are heavier and more comprehensive than ballistic armour because they must cover the entire body; they incorporate blast‑resistant plates, multi‑layered padding and helmets with integrated visors and communications.

• Two four‑wheeled day‑and‑night surveillance robots: These remote‑operated platforms will be equipped with cameras and sensors suitable for 24/7 operations, including night‑vision capability, obstacle negotiation and 360‑degree rotation. The two units are budgeted at a combined ₹1,60,48,000 (about ₹80.24 lakh per unit), and will be used for reconnaissance, remote inspection of suspect packages and to deliver initial assessment before human teams approach a scene.

• Twenty‑three drilling machines: Portable drilling capability is essential for controlled access, breaching or creating access points in suspicious containers or vehicle compartments. The procurement order mentions drilling machines as part of the kit.

• Twenty‑eight hook‑and‑line sets: Hook‑and‑line systems are semi‑remote tools used to pull, move or inspect suspect devices from a safe distance. They typically employ a line and specially designed attachments to manipulate objects at stand‑off distances, sometimes exceeding 100 metres. The hook‑and‑line sets have been budgeted in the procurement plan.

Administrative and procurement oversight
A senior official in the state home department said the Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters and the Security Headquarters will supervise the acquisition to ensure transparency and fairness. The orders were issued by a special secretary to the Additional Director General of Police, Headquarters, UP, Lucknow, on September 30 and October 8, 2025. The official added that the procurement is to be completed within the 2025–26 financial year.

Why these gadgets matter
Bomb suits: For EOD technicians, the bomb suit is the single most important personal protective equipment. Unlike standard ballistic vests that primarily shield the torso, bomb suits are engineered to reduce blast‑induced injuries across the whole body, including limbs and head, while still allowing enough mobility to perform delicate tasks. Upgrading older suits to state‑of‑the‑art models reduces the risk to personnel when undertaking rendered‑safe procedures.

Robots: Remote platforms reduce risk by allowing technicians to assess and, in some cases, interact with suspect devices without approaching them physically. Modern robots are modular — they can carry manipulators, disruptors, cameras, chemical sensors or even small tools to carry out controlled interventions. Day‑and‑night capability means operations are not constrained by lighting conditions or visibility.

Hook‑and‑line systems and drilling machines: These are important for standoff manipulation and for “soft” access — moving an object or gaining a controlled point of entry without exposing personnel to a close approach. In urban environments or at sensitive installations, the ability to manipulate a suspect device remotely or to create a small, controlled access point can mean the difference between safe neutralisation and catastrophe.

Operational context and training
The official noted that procurement is only one pillar of capability enhancement. Proper training, doctrine updates and maintenance regimes are equally important. Bomb disposal operations require coordinated drills, familiarity with new equipment and integration into wider incident‑response plans. The Uttar Pradesh Police and Security Headquarters will be responsible for drawing up deployment protocols and training schedules once the equipment is delivered.

Given the specialised nature of BDDS work, crews will need hands‑on training with the new suits and robots to develop operational confidence. Operators must master robot controls, camera interpretation, manipulator use and emergency procedures; bomb‑suit users need conditioning drills to work effectively despite the suit’s weight and thermal burden.

Accountability and timelines
Officials have stressed that procurement will be overseen to maintain transparency and that delivery schedules will be aligned with fiscal timelines. The state expects the purchases and initial handovers to be completed within the current financial year, after which rollout to regional BDDS units will follow.

Strategic significance
UP’s investment in protective suits and robotics follows a national trend of equipping EOD units with modern, remote‑first toolkits. As threats diversify — from abandoned devices in crowded public places to complex IEDs used by organised groups — the emphasis has shifted toward reducing human exposure and increasing the use of robotics, sensors and stand‑off techniques.

For a large state with high population density and frequent high‑footfall events, the speed and safety of bomb‑disposal response are critical. Upgraded kits will help local units manage incidents more safely and efficiently, and the procurement signals a commitment to improving both capability and the welfare of the technicians who perform hazardous public‑safety tasks.

Conclusion
The state government’s ₹8.77 crore procurement for BDDS reflects a pragmatic, equipment‑led approach to bolstering explosive‑ordnance capabilities. While hardware acquisition is only one element, modern bomb suits, reconnaissance robots, drilling machines and hook‑and‑line systems — if matched with robust training and maintenance — will materially improve the safety and effectiveness of bomb‑disposal operations across Uttar Pradesh.