Russia's Advanced Combat Gear to Be Equipped With Drone Connectible Kit

Russia's state-of-the-art Ratnik (Warrior) infantry combat outfit will be equipped with a special kit to help soldiers connect to drones in order to obtain intelligence data.

Russian soldiers will use new generation Ratnik combat gear in order to get in touch with unmanned aerial vehicles, among other tasks, media reports said.

Developed by Russia's United Instrument Corporation, the kit consists of communications, data transmission and navigation means; the goal is to turn servicemen into part of a single combat system that may be controlled in automatic mode.

The kit's "smart" element adds significantly to better tactical communication between soldiers, according to Sergei Skokov, United Instrument Corporation's general director.

The corporation's chief designer Tatyana Ositskaya said, for her part, that in addition, the kit's high level of the automation will help speed up decision-making during combat engagements.

"For example, the task of target-pointing is achieved within 30 seconds. This includes the time in which the target is detected and the transfer of the coordinates for the destruction of this target," Ositskaya said.

In January 2015, it was reported that the first serial batch of Ratnik combat gear will be supplied to the Russian Armed Forces between March and April 2015.

The development of the Ratnik combat outfit began in the early 2000s, with the first prototype presented at the MAKS air show in 2011. 

The equipment includes a new generation field uniform, protection means, firearms, sighting systems, as well as communication, navigation and combat control systems. Additionally, it includes backpacks, insulation material and camouflage capes.  

October 2014 saw the signing of a three-year contract for the   supply of Ratnik combat gear to the Russian army.