Combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have received body armor designed specifically with female anatomy in mind for the first time. Official confirmation was provided by the press service of the country's Ministry of Defense, reports RBC-Ukraine.
A new era of ergonomics in protection
At the request of the Ministry of Defense, the DOT Defense Procurement Agency purchased the first batch of specialized personal protective equipment this year. The contract value amounted to 47 million hryvnias. The first procurement includes 2,000 body armor vests in the basic configuration (protection classes 1-5).
The main difference of the new gear is the presence of a damping and climate support system. This design solution is intended to improve the fit of the product, reduce pressure in the frontal zone, and ensure additional ventilation during use. The body armor is made of ceramic composite materials, has an enhanced level of protection, and features a camouflage pattern.
Why this is important
As the number of women in the ranks of Ukraine's defense forces grows, so does the need for protective gear adapted to female anatomy. Existing standard models often failed to provide a proper fit, which could restrict movement and increase the risk of injury during combat missions. The new body armor addresses these issues, providing better protection and comfort.
Future plans
At the moment, this is only the first procurement. After the start of operations, the Defense Procurement Agency, together with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and military units, will collect feedback from users. This will allow for an assessment of practical usage experience, identification of possible areas for product improvement, and taking these findings into account when planning future procurements.
Other innovations in equipment
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine continues to modernize the equipment of defenders. Previously, the department approved a new camouflage pattern sample MM-25. The current "pixel" MM-14 remains in operation, however, an additional camouflage option resembling the foreign Multicam is also appearing.
Furthermore, it has become known that the "State Operator of the Rear" is purchasing body armor with a positive buoyancy element for the first time. Such gear is capable of saving Ukraine's defenders in the water even while carrying weapons.
