For Real Men! Russia's Ratnik Battle Gear Protects Groin From Sniper Fire

Russia's second-generation Ratnik infantry gear can withstand a direct hit from a Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD) from a distance of 10 meters, protecting a soldier's chest, back and groin, a Russian expert told Sputnik.

Oleg Faustov of the TsNIITOCHMASH research center in the Moscow Region said that "in a combined-arms configuration, the Ratnik's body armor protects a soldier's chest and back from bullets with a steel core fired at a range of 10 meters from a 7.62mm SVD rifle."

"In the assault kit's configuration, the Ratnik's bulletproof vest protects a serviceman's chest, back and groin from armor-piercing incendiary bullets fired at a range of 10 meters from a 7.62mm SVD rifle — chest, back, sides and inguinal region," he added.

Earlier, TsNIITOCHMASH head Dmitry Semizorov told journalists that the Ratnik combat gear had successfully been tested in Syria; none of its protective elements were damaged.

#Russia|n #Airborne Force will be equipped with the #Ratnik #combat gear before yearend
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— Army Recognition (@ArmyRecognition) 2 августа 2017 г.

The mass delivery of the second-generation Ratnik gear to the Russian Armed Forces started earlier this year. The Ratnik kit includes a total of ten different advanced subsystems related to small arms and protection, as well as reconnaissance and communication equipment.

The kit is designed to operate in different climatic conditions and at any time of the day.

Right now, research work on the development of the third-generation Ratnik kit is under way. The new gear will include a helmet with an integrated control system, a combat exoskeleton, mine-proof footwear and other sophisticated elements.