The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has approved the procurement of new modular body armor designed to provide an expanded range of protection for personnel.
The decision comes in response to evolving battlefield conditions, with more than 90 percent of combat injuries now attributed to fragments and shrapnel.
The modular armor will feature three additional components for the forearms, shins, and tailbone, with the shin and forearm modules also extending protection to the knees and elbows, the ministry stated.
The existing body armor kit comprises eight components: front and back plates with both soft and hard armor elements, groin and neck protection covers, soft shoulder and hip guards, a cummerbund, and a load-bearing belt featuring a ballistic element.
Modular Protection Kit
The new components are capable of stopping pistol rounds and fragments weighing up to 1.1 grams (0.03 ounce) traveling at speeds of up to 600 meters (1,968 feet) per second, according to Kyiv.
The modular kit will not only enhance personnel protection but also provide the flexibility to adjust protection levels according to mission requirements.
The body armor is supplied in MM-14 (“pixel”) camouflage and features a Type 2 hard armor element made of ceramic composite materials.
