Women in Ukrainian Armed Forces to be provided with female body armour in 2026

Women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have been set to receive female body armour in 2026.

Source: Vitalii Riabov, Head of the Supply Department of the Central Rear Directorate of the AFU Logistics Forces at a press conference, as reported by Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency

Details: Vitalii Riabov said that women are currently provided with standard-issue body armour but procurement of female versions has been planned for next year. He did not specify the number to be purchased.

Junior Lieutenant Maksym Borovyk, a senior officer of the Military Uniform Development Department of the Central Directorate for the Development of Material Support of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, said that special cushioning pads have already been approved for body armour to reflect the anatomy of the female body so it will not cause discomfort.

Borovyk added that work is ongoing to make personal protective equipment lighter, which requires balancing protection standards with the weight of the armour plates.

Background: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has recently approved women's underwear for Ukraine's military. It does not restrict movement and is suitable for use even in full combat gear.

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