New additional protective equipment for service members: ballistic blankets procured for the first time by MoD’s DOT
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine continues its systematic efforts to enhance and introduce individual protective equipment for military personnel, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of combat units in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, taking into account contemporary combat conditions. The focus is primarily on equipment that provides increased protection from fragments.
Joint efforts by the Ministry of Defence and the Logistics Forces Command, particularly the Central Directorate for the Development of Logistics Support, resulted in the development of a new personal protective item: the versatile field tent (ballistic blanket).
The Ministry of Defence’s DOT has recently announced its first procurement of ballistic blankets. They provide ballistic protection against fragments and can be employed for both individual and collective use. This flexibility allows them to be adapted to a range of tactical conditions and operational tasks along the line of contact.
This is the first technological solution developed in Ukraine for individual and collective protection of service members, in line with modern combat requirements and aimed at strengthening personnel protection.
The Ministry of Defence explains in detail what a ballistic blanket is and why it is essential for military personnel.
What is a ballistic blanket?
A ballistic blanket resembles a heavy-duty tent and serves as a full-fledged protective solution. It is designed to protect fragments from artillery shells, mines, and hand grenades, and incorporates components capable of stopping incoming fragments and dispersing their energy.
The central component is a soft ballistic package, constructed from multi-layered elastic material and housed in a waterproof protective cover.
The item’s soft ballistic package provides fragmentation resistance class F5, with a Vproof value of 550 m/s, determined at a 95% confidence level with a probability of error of 0.2.
The product retains its protective performance at humidity levels of 40% to 70% and temperatures ranging from –40°C to +70°C for at least 6 hours. Each ballistic blanket will be labeled with a QR code that provides access to the user instructions in text format.
Ballistic blanket dimensions
Length: 1,600–1,750 mm
Width: 700–800 mm
Soft ballistic package area: ≥ 126.5 dm²
Weight: ≤ 11 kg
Equipped with special shoulder straps and designed to fold into 3–4 layers, the product can be easily transported and deployed in the required configuration.
Contents of the kit
The ballistic blankets will be delivered in the following configuration:
- Cover;
- Soft ballistic package;
- Individual carry bag;
- Technical passport (user documentation);
- Spare parts kit for minor repairs.
How the ballistic blankets can be used?
The ballistic blanket is a versatile solution designed to meet a broad range of tactical requirements. The ballistic blanket can be utilized as protection in the following situations:
- While moving across open terrain;
- For sheltering dugouts and positions;
- When there is no armored protection in the vehicle;
- During casualty evacuation.
How many ballistic blankets will be procured, and when they will be delivered?
The Ministry of Defence’s DOT will procure an initial batch of 5,300 ballistic blankets worth over UAH 132 million, with delivery scheduled by the end of February 2026. Further procurements will be conducted next year based on the Armed Forces of Ukraine's declared requirements.
Why is this important?
The nature of modern combat operations is changing, increasing the demand for mobile protective equipment. The Ministry of Defence has developed regulatory and technical documentation for the ballistic blanket as a new item of individual protective equipment, aimed at providing service members with modern means of protection. This marks another step toward improving personnel safety.
The ballistic blanket is a survival tool. Its ability to provide immediate cover from shelling or protect a wounded service member could be the deciding factor between injury and survival.
In line with the requirements and approved needs of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Logistics Forces Command will continue efforts to improve the protection of service members during the execution of various types of combat missions.