Domestic suit designed to reduce reliance on firefighting imports

The Government of India’s Ministry of Textiles has reported that the National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM) is supporting the development of a new aluminised firefighting suit to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

According to the ministry, the project is being carried out by the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) in collaboration with the industrial partner M/s System 5S Private Ltd.

Suit designed for high-heat environments across Indian sectors

The Ministry of Textiles explained that the suit is intended for use in environments where heat and flame protection is essential, including fire and emergency services, defence, aerospace, and the oil and gas sector.

It stated that these types of suits – often called fire entry suits – are currently imported into India, mainly from Europe, the USA, and China.

The organisation added that India’s annual demand is currently around 1,000 suits, though this number could increase substantially if a certified domestic option becomes widely available.

Project partners aim to meet international safety standards

According to the Ministry of Textiles, the suit has been designed to meet EN 1486 and ISO 15538 standards, which outline requirements for full-body protection against radiant heat and flame impingement.

The standards specify that the protective ensemble must include a garment, hood, gloves, and overboots, with compatibility for respiratory equipment either worn internally or externally.

The ministry said the indigenous suit is made from aluminised coated glass fabrics, OPAN nonwoven battings, and flame-resistant viscose fabric, with all layers quilted together for performance and durability.

Certification and commercial rollout to follow fire manikin test

The Ministry of Textiles confirmed that trial manufacturing has already begun and commercial production will follow once the suit passes the EN ISO 13506 fire manikin test.

This standard evaluates clothing performance when exposed to heat and flame and is required to ensure safety compliance before large-scale deployment.

The ministry stated that M/s System 5S Private Ltd has a production capacity of 1,000 suits per year.

National Technical Textile Mission supports India-made firefighting suit project: Summary

The Government of India’s Ministry of Textiles has announced support for a new firefighting suit through the National Technical Textile Mission.

The project is being implemented by Northern India Textile Research Association and M/s System 5S Private Ltd.

The suit is intended to replace imported aluminised fire entry suits.

India’s current annual demand is around 1,000 suits.

Materials used include aluminised coated glass, OPAN battings, and FR viscose.

The design complies with EN 1486 and ISO 15538 safety standards.

Suits are being manufactured on a trial basis.

Commercial production will begin after EN ISO 13506 fire manikin testing is completed.

The production capacity is 1,000 suits annually.

This project aims to expand India’s domestic manufacturing in firefighting gear.