The State Operator For Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) has announced its first procurement of body armor in the extended 1–11 configuration, which provides increased coverage through additional modular components. This armor meets the operational requirements of combat units and enhances the protection level of personnel.
The expanded configuration was driven by a shift in battlefield injury patterns: over 90% of wounds are now caused by fragments and shrapnel. In response, in July 2025, The Central Logistics Development Directorate of the Ministry of Defense approved three new protective elements for the modular body armor — forearm, shin, and coccyx protection. These additions provide broader coverage and better adaptability to various combat scenarios.
The new components offer high ballistic resistance, capable of stopping pistol rounds and fragments up to 1.1 g traveling at speeds of up to 600 m/s. Forearm and shin protectors also shield elbows and knees, improving comfort and operational safety.
The full set includes eight modular elements:
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Front and rear carriers with soft ballistic inserts and hard armor plates
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Groin and neck protectors with soft ballistic inserts
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Shoulder and thigh protectors with soft ballistic inserts
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Cummerbund
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Load-bearing belt with integrated soft ballistic inserts
The armor will be supplied in MM-14 camouflage (“pixel”) and equipped with Type 2 hard armor plates made from ceramic-composite materials.
The total estimated value of the procurement is UAH 570 million for 15,000 complete sets.
“We aim to equip our defenders with modern, modular, and dependable personal protective equipment,” said Mykyta Chichkan, Director of DOT’s Clothing and Gear Programme. “The extended configuration enables protection of critical body zones while maintaining ergonomics and mobility.”
