Ukrainian MRE: what is in the new field ration for frontline defenders and who will receive it?
Ukrainian frontline defenders will receive updated field rations (MREs) developed based on the results of a survey conducted in the Army+ app. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the relevant amendments to the standards for the daily field ration pack proposed by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Who will receive the new Ukrainian MRE?
The alternative field ration pack is intended for designated categories of service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine who take part in combat operations directly on the line of contact.
How did the Army+ survey shape the new field rations?
More than 60,000 service members participated in a survey conducted by the Defence Procurement Agency DOT in the Army+ app, which ran from May 29 to June 12.
Service members shared their preferences on field ration contents, ready-to-eat dishes, and additional components that make field meals more convenient.
My team and I processed the requests and implemented the most popular proposals from service members. The rations have become more comprehensive: more ready-to-eat dishes and fewer small items.
The updated field ration will be an alternative to the daily field ration pack (Regulation No. 15), not a replacement.
What is inside the new Ukrainian MRE?
The enhanced field ration for defenders includes:
- two separate rations instead of one daily field ration pack;
- flameless food heaters;
- ready-to-eat dishes in retort packaging;
- water purification tablets.
In addition to the rations, service members will receive 1.5 liters of bottled drinking water per day, and 3 liters per day from June 1 to September 1.
“We removed the hardtacks and added special flameless heaters, water purification tablets, as well as dried fruit, chocolate, and nuts. In doing so, we increased the caloric content by almost 15%.
How many calories does the new Ukrainian MRE have?
The combined caloric content of the first and second rations is 4,100 kcal. The caloric difference compared with standard field rations is 600 kcal.
The alternative food sets will be procured under the new standards by the Defence Procurement Agency DOT of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.