Ukraine's Special Operations Forces are currently testing a prospective modular individual protection platform designed to reduce physical strain on soldiers during combat operations. The system is being evaluated in operational conditions by a combat medic of the 6th Separate Regiment, callsign Stierlitz, according to the SOF Command.
The defining feature of the new platform is its mechanical spinal load relief system. A rigid structural element connects the rear plate carrier panel to the combat belt, redistributing the weight of armor plates and ammunition away from the shoulders and onto the pelvis and legs.
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This approach significantly reduces spinal compression and back strain, especially during long foot movements with full combat load. In practical terms, this translates into improved endurance, allowing operators to remain effective for longer periods during marches and while executing missions in demanding environments.
Developers have placed particular emphasis on enhanced ballistic coverage. The system increases the protected area, including critical zones such as the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, areas that have become increasingly vulnerable amid widespread use of artillery fragmentation and FPV strike drones.
Despite its robust appearance, the platform reportedly does not restrict mobility. Test feedback indicates that operators can move freely, handle weapons effectively, maneuver in confined spaces, and perform combat medical tasks without noticeable limitations.
For a combat medic, this balance between protection and freedom of movement is especially important. The ability to rapidly reach casualties, provide first aid, and evacuate under fire depends not only on protection levels but also on sustained physical performance.
The SOF Command stresses that the platform is not about comfort, but about preserving the fighter's physical resource for what matters most – mission execution. If testing confirms its effectiveness, the system could mark another step in adapting Ukrainian individual protection solutions to the realities of modern, high-intensity warfare.
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