SEBEX 2: India's newly developed most powerful non-nuclear bomb is 2x lethal than TNT

Nagpur, Maharashtra

In a major step towards indigenisation in the defence sector, the Indian Navy successfully developed a new explosive which is two times more lethal than standard TNT (Trinitrotoluene). 

The new explosive named SEBEX 2 was developed by Nagpur-based Solar Industries and is now among the most powerful weapon non-nuclear explosives. 

SEBEX 2 is expected to revolutionise artillery shells and warheads by further enhancing their destructive power without adding extra weight to them, official reports said. 

The new formulation for SEBEX 2 was tested under the Defence Export Promotion Scheme of the Navy, as per Economic Times. A total of three new explosive formulations have been developed at the Economic Explosive Limited (EEL), which is a subsidiary of Solar Industries. 

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"The three new explosive formulations can prove to be a game changer for our armed forces due to the sheer enhancement of firepower and explosive effect. SEBEX 2 is a new explosive formulation that provides a much more powerful blast effect than any currently available solid explosive," ANI quoted the company's officials saying.

SEBEX 2: One of the most lethal non-nuclear bombs

Conventional explosives like DENTEX/TORPEX, which are generally used in conventional warheads, aerial bombs and various other types of ammunition, have TNT of 1.25-1.30, explained EEL officials. 

However, measuring an explosive’s performance in terms of TNT equivalence, the explosives having higher TNT equivalence have more “lethal destructive power,” they noted.

SEBEX 2 is developed under the 'Make in India' initiative and its composition is based on high-melting explosives (HMX).

The company reportedly said that it is developing another variant of the explosive, which is expected to have an explosive power rated 2.3 times that of TNT. As per sources, the explosive would be ready in six months.

According to Business Standard, the Indian Navy has also certified SITBEX 1 – the EEL’s first thermobaric explosive.

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SITBEX 1, which generates extended blast duration with intense heat, is suited to target enemy bunkers, tunnels, and other fortified positions.

The Indian Navy has also certified SIMEX 4, a munition which is safer than standard explosives when it comes to its storage, transportation and handling. It is far more likely to accidentally go off, which makes it appropriate for weapons like torpedo warheads in submarines, where safety is of utmost importance.

(With inputs from agencies)