Ukraine purchases 2,000 women's body armour vests for Armed Forces for first time
The Defence Procurement Agency of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has for the first time purchased 2,000 women's modular body armour vests for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Previously, female servicewomen were supplied with men's body armour as per standard procedure.
Source: Ukrainian analytical centre StateWatch
Details: The body armour was purchased in the (1-5) configuration, which protects the chest, back, sides, neck, and groin area. The cost of one vest is UAH 23,520 (approx. US$535). The scientific-production company Temp-3000 is to deliver them to the central and western regions by 25 June.
By comparison, men's modular body armour in the (1-5) configuration was purchased at approximately UAH 22,600 (approx. US$514) per piece between November 2025 and April 2026.
"Women's body armour contains dampening (cushioning) inserts on the inner walls of the chest cover or other solutions that adapt it to women's anatomy. The sizes of such vests range from S to XL," the statement reads.
The models are stated to be designed for heights from 162 to 190+ centimetres respectively, with a total weight ranging from 10.5 kg to 15.5 kg.
At the same time, StateWatch stressed that 2,000 vests are "critically insufficient", as over 55,000 female servicewomen are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine alone as of March 2026.
It is noted that until May 2026, women's body armour had not been centrally supplied to the defence forces. The only known exception, StateWatch notes, was one National Guard unit that last year purchased 20 sets of women's class-4 body armour with lumbar and chest support.
At the same time, StateWatch research showed that the excessive weight and pressure on the chest cause health problems for many servicewomen.
As an example, StateWatch cited the story of Armed Forces veteran Natalia Lishchyshena, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2025. After three years of service, injury and wearing body armour weighing 17 kg, the woman was diagnosed with an intraductal papilloma of the breast that could have developed into a malignant tumour over time.
Natalia told StateWatch that her illness was officially recognised as connected to the service. Following a military medical board examination in 2024, she was discharged from service on health grounds.
StateWatch noted that in addition to body armour, the Logistics Forces Command has included in its 2026 requirements the need for at least 10,000 women's winter jackets and 10,000 women's winter trousers. The trousers were already contracted in January.
Also according to the analytical centre, in February the Defence Procurement Agency for the first time purchased women's thermal underwear – 50,000 sets each for mild-weather and cold-weather conditions.
For reference: StateWatch is a Ukrainian analytical centre that monitors public expenditure, public procurement, and government activities.
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