Finally "armor" that fits: the first anatomical body armor vests were delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Purchased 2,000 kits for 47 million hryvnias
Female servicemembers of combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have for the first time received bulletproof vests designed with female anatomy in mind.
This was reported on 21 July 2026 by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to the ministry, this year the Defense Procurement Agency DOT, on assignment from the Ministry of Defense, purchased the first batch of such personal protective equipment. It concerns 2,000 bulletproof vests in the basic configuration 1-5 for a total amount of 47 million hryvnias.
The Ministry of Defense notes that the new vests are made of ceramic-composite materials, have an enhanced level of protection and are produced in the MM-14 camouflage pattern. In addition to the standard elements, the kit includes a damping-climate spacer intended to improve the fit of the vest, reduce pressure in the frontal area and provide additional ventilation during use.
The ministry emphasizes that as the number of women in the Defense Forces of Ukraine increases, so does the need for protective equipment adapted to female anatomy. Such vests fit the body better, do not restrict movement, provide adequate protection and reduce the risk of injury while performing combat tasks.
The importance of such equipment was described by the director of the Defense Procurement Agency DOT, Arsen Zhumadilov.
“Women today carry out combat missions on an equal footing with men, so personal protective equipment must meet the highest safety requirements while also fitting the anatomical features of those who use it. Providing female servicemembers with specialized equipment has long been a standard in the leading armies of the world, and we are consistently implementing it in Ukraine.”
So far this is only the first procurement of anatomical bulletproof vests for female servicemembers. After they enter service, the Agency, together with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and military units, will collect feedback from users to assess practical experience, identify possible directions for product improvement and take these findings into account when planning future procurements.
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