The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is testing additional elements of body armor to increase the level of protection for servicemen.

The Defense Ministry’s press service reported on this.

This is part of the ongoing work to improve personal protective equipment for Ukrainian defenders.

In this regard, the Central Logistics Development Department (CLDD) is considering the inclusion of additional elements in the technical specification “Modular Body Armor” TS A01XJ.29423-420:2023 (01).

The pilot tests will cover such additional elements:

• A cover with a soft ballistic element to protect the forearm;
• A cover with a soft ballistic element to protect the shin;
• If possible, a cover with a soft ballistic element to protect the tailbone.

It is noted that these additional elements are designed to provide critical protection for the forearm, shin, and tailbone during combat operations.

The forearms and shins are often left unprotected, making them vulnerable to bullets and shrapnel. Therefore, adding soft ballistic inserts will help reduce the risk of severe wounds that can lead to loss of combat capability.

Equally important is the protection of the coccyx, as damage to this area can lead to serious spinal injuries and restriction of mobility.

The Ministry of Defense believes that introducing these additional elements will increase the effectiveness of combat missions. The military will be able to act more confidently with an additional level of protection.

Interested manufacturers (suppliers) are invited to inform the SDMD and the Command of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine about the possibility of manufacturing and providing free of charge for familiarization and military (research) testing of these elements for modular body armor. Applications for trial participation are submitted exclusively through the MoD Partner portal.

In 2025, the Ministry of Defense’s procurement agency contracted personal protective equipment for servicemen worth almost UAH 3.7 billion.

As a reminder, military personnel who develop technological innovations for the army will be entitled to fair royalties.