Curved armor plate, narrowed shoulders, widened bottom - these are the design features of the first certified bulletproof vest for women soldiers in Ukraine. This was reported by Oleksandr Sharko, chief specialist of the Central Department for Development and Support of Material Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports with reference to the Ministry of Defense.
According to the agency, the bulletproof vest is Ukrainian-made. It was developed by the Ukrainian Armor company.
The sample was approved after two stages of testing. After the first stage of field testing, the vest was modified to fit the female body.
"Since women have narrower shoulders and wider pelvis than men, it was uncomfortable for the servicewomen to handle weapons in the 'male' version of the body armor," said Sharko.
In addition, the "women's" version has an outwardly curved armor plate for convenience.
Otherwise, the bulletproof vest, which weighs from 10.5 kilograms depending on the size and configuration, does not differ from the previously approved general military bulletproof vest.
After certification, the vest became available for centralized procurement. The Ministry of Defense expects the General Staff to request the purchase of these products. After that, the Ministry of Defense will formulate the volumes and lists for procurement.
The State Logistics Operator will be in charge of purchasing women's bulletproof vests.