Krugersdorp-based Bullet Proofing Technology (BPT) has developed a range of extremely lightweight body armour that it is promoting for the security industry, as it can be worn comfortably all day – it is so light that it can even float.
Deon du Plessis, Managing Director of Bullet Proofing Technology, explained to ProtectionWeb that the company’s ultra-light body armour plates are a fraction (1 kg) of the weight of plates 30 years ago (3 kg) for Level III protection. At a weight of less than 1 kg for a 250 x 300 mm multi-curve plate, BPT says its “Ultralight” plates are so light and comfortable that they can be worn for extended periods. The plates exceed the requirements of NIJ 0101 Level III, by also providing protection against the threats encountered in Southern Africa, being the 5.56×45 mm Ball (R4) and 7.62×39 mm Ball (Mild Steel Core) (AK-47) threats.
These plates are manufactured from UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) fibres, which have largely succeeded Kevlar. UHMWPE plates are so light that they have neutral buoyancy and can actually float on water.
Du Plessis said BPT has invested substantially in order to manufacture these UHMWPE plates in South Africa, having spent R15 million on its factories. This new generation of armour plate is being promoted to the South African Police Service (SAPS), amongst others, as it is half the weight of their current plates, but only costs 50% more.
At Securex 2025, BPT is showcasing a range of armour solutions to meet different requirements and costs, from premium super and ultra-light solutions to heavier but cheaper steel plates. In addition to body armour, the company is promoting its ballistic shields, which can protect against handguns and assault rifles. These are ideal for anti-zama zama operations, for example, where more protection is needed than a bullet-resistant vest.
Since establishment in 1997, BPT has supplied more than 1.3 million body armour plates and over 2 000 armoured vehicle kits to customers around the world. The company’s main focus is on body armour plates and military vehicle armour, supplying armour to several of South Africa’s leading armoured vehicle manufacturers; BPT completes 300-500 vehicle armour sets a year, and 70-150 000 body armour panels annually.
The other 5% of BPT’s turnover comes from specials, including bullet traps, shields, aircraft, ship and building armour. Materials used include ceramics, Aramid fibre, armour steel, special polymers and UHMWPE fibres.
BPT is accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) to certify ballistic testing on body armour (SANS 1658:2007 and STANAG 2920), vehicle armour (EN 1523) and military vehicle armour (STANAG 4569). This is a first for South Africa and BPT is currently the only South African company accredited to do any of this testing in their specially equipped ballistic testing facility, the company said.
