Ukraine will be able to meet the needs of the Armed Forces in bulletproof vests and helmets in 2023 – Reznikov
In 2023, Ukraine will be able to independently provide all the needs of the Defense Forces in bulletproof vests and helmets. Imports, if necessary, can become a supplement.
This was announced by Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. He showed samples of helmets and body armor made in Ukraine, which correspond to the 4th and 6th class of protection according to NATO standards.
The Minister explained that currently Ukraine is not able to produce only one specific component. This requires appropriate technologies in the chemical industry. However, he is confident that over time the local business will solve this problem.
In addition, Ukrainian manufacturers have developed a bulletproof vest specifically for women defenders, taking into account anthropological features and means for redistributing the load.
According to Reznikov, it has no analogues, so after the completion of the test cycle it will be supplied to the troops.
Also, a bulletproof vest of the 6th class of protection with ceramic plates and a number of innovations that reduce the load on the back and allow you to quickly reset the protection in one movement is being tested. It is light and reliable.
The Minister of Defense is convinced that these products have the potential to become competitive in the international market.
In general, Oleksiy Reznikov added that in March-April this year the situation with the provision of helmets and body armor was not easy.
Thus, last winter, one helmet was officially in reserve for the entire Kyiv garrison.
But as of November 17, 2022, the Ministry of Defense not only met the current needs of the Armed Forces, but also formed and has been maintaining a reserve of more than 200 thousand bulletproof vests and more than 100 thousand helmets for the army for several months.
