Since the war in Ukraine began, the country has been anything but idle when it comes to combat gear. One new development after another keeps emerging. The latest invention comes from Major Oleh Shyriaiev. He was recently awarded the title “Hero of Ukraine,” the highest military honor in the country, and with this new creation, he’s certainly living up to that name. His invention? A special suit designed to protect soldiers against drone attacks.
A complement to the current gear
The new suit is urgently needed, as drones are being used more and more frequently—and they cause a different kind of damage than bullets. The gear has been specifically designed using Kevlar and other materials to absorb the impact of shrapnel. Each part of the body is covered with a different level of protection, and vulnerable joints like elbows, knees, and ankles receive extra reinforcement.
While the suit offers solid protection against drone attacks, Kevlar isn’t bulletproof. That’s why this new gear is meant as an addition to, not a replacement for, existing equipment. Soldiers will still need to wear bulletproof vests that protect vital organs from bullets. However, in practice, these vests are often removed during long marches to the battlefield, as their weight limits mobility. Shyriaiev’s team is also working on explosive-resistant insoles, designed to shield soldiers’ feet from ground-based blasts.
What protection looks like in 2025
We’re all aware of how fast technology is advancing, but Ukraine’s innovations show what that really means during wartime. It’s not just about applying nano or temperature-regulating materials to clothing, it’s also about protection against entirely new threats, like drones.
In some cases, however, the basics are still lacking. Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has been working on better outfitting its female soldiers. Today, 90% of the women have received a gear package, but efforts to improve it continue. For example, many are still issued winter clothing made for male body types, which results in 81.8% wearing the wrong size. The same issue applies to helmets: 67.8% of women wear the wrong helmet size.
Unisex bulletproof vests also tend to fit poorly. While smaller sizes do exist, too few were ordered, forcing many women to wear vests that are too large. In 2024, Ukraine’s defense department unveiled bulletproof vests designed specifically for the female body. These offered a better fit and improved protection, but ultimately, they were never ordered. (source) Work is still ongoing to address this and all the other shortcomings.
Good protection isn’t just about advanced materials or keeping up with technology. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of proper measurement and a good fit.
Image: Telegraph
