Solutions to win: Defense Ministry and NGO Zemliachky launch project to improve women’s combat gear
Tens of thousands of women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including in combat units. So far, the only approved uniform model for servicewomen remains the summer field suit; no winter or mid-season options have been developed for women, so some servicewomen have to seek the necessary gear on their own after completing basic combined arms training.
According to Deputy Defense Minister Mstyslav Banik, the Defense Ministry understands that equal duties require equal state provision.
"We will make decisions on modernizing women's uniform sets, replacing elements and so on, only after testing and feedback from servicewomen themselves. This will allow us to make decisions not based on assumptions, but on data, which is exactly what we are striving for in the process of reforming military supply," Deputy Defense Minister Mstyslav Banik said.
He added that to make the most accurate decisions, they must rely on evidence-based policy, including research and practical experience.
The cooperation covers two areas.
The first sample of the winter suit was made using patterns developed by the NGO Zemliachky, and work to improve its quality is ongoing. Decisions on changes will be made after testing and feedback from servicewomen themselves.
After completing basic combined arms training and choosing a combat position, 1,000 servicewomen will receive a full combat gear kit. The kit includes:
Over 12 months, the NGO Zemliachky, with the support of the Defense Ministry, will record the actual service life of each item, the need for replacement, cases where servicewomen buy additional gear on their own, problems with sizing and comfort, and the economic efficiency of the centralized supply model.
The Defense Ministry will approve the selection criteria for participants and provide access to personnel, while Zemliachky will handle social support for each participant, procurement, and logistics.
Similar models have already been introduced in the US Army, including the Modular Scalable Vest based on the ANSUR II study, and in the British Army, including the Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest, with serial deliveries starting in April 2022.
Following the pilot project, the Defense Ministry will consider adding the optimized kit to the supply tables for personal equipment and to the standards for the provision of servicewomen in combat positions.
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- September, 08
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9 of September 2026
