Ratnik
Ratnik equipment shown in Open Day 2017 with the 4th Guards Tank Division with a paratrooper (left) and recon (right) variants.
TypeFuture soldier program
Place of originRussia
Service history
In service2015-present
Used bySee Users
WarsAnnexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation
Syrian civil war
Russo-Ukraine War
Production history
DesignerTsNIITochMash
Designed2013-present
ManufacturerTsNIITochMash
Produced2013-Present
References

Ratnik (Russian: Ратник; Warrior) is a Russian future infantry combat system. Some components, including the communication systems and night vision technologies, have extremely limited military distribution. It is designed to improve the connectivity and combat effectiveness of combat personnel in the Russian Armed Forces. Improvements include modernised body armour, a helmet with a special eye monitor (thermal, night vision monocular, flashlight), communication systems, and special headphones. It includes 10 subsystems and 59 individual items.[1][2]

An improved "Sotnik" system is expected in 2025.[3]

Egyptian paratroopers wearing Ratnik

History

The Ratnik was first to be reported to be used during the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014.[4] There were also reports that Russian troops have tested Ratnik components in combat operations.[5][6]

In August 2019, it was reported that Ratnik has been tested by soldiers from Belarus, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, China, Laos, Mongolia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.[7]

In July 2021, Russian troops deployed to Tajikistan to work alongside Tajik forces are equipped with at least 200 sets of Ratnik.[8]

Components

The Ratnik gear is a system of modern protective and communication devices, weapons and ammunition. It consists of a helmet, body armour; a one-piece coverall; hearing protection; protective glasses; a protective set for knees and elbows; a grenade launcher, submachine gun or assault rifle; sniper rifle, ammunition; a combat knife, as well as 24/7 reconnaissance means; a day and night sighting system; a small-size binocular; optical and thermal weapon sights, etc.[9] Ratnik gear is paired up with EMR camouflage.[10]

As well as these, the system comprises a universal shelter, a multifunctional knife, a signal lamp, a watch, winter and summer two-side camouflage sets; an autonomous heat source; a backpack, an individual water filter; a small entrenching tool, breath protection devices; means of radiological and chemical control; a medical kit, and filtering clothes.[11]

The "Strelets" ("Musketeer"/ Стрельцы) system provides voice and video communication. The system includes a GLONASS navigation module so that a squad leader can see the location of each soldier on his small, book-sized, computer. With this computer, he also can give orders to his squad, and send videos and photos to headquarters. As well as this, each soldier has their own smaller telephone-sized tactical computer. The Strelets command, control, and intelligence (C2I) system was operated in the Syrian conflict to send target data to strike aircraft. The use of the Strelets in conjunction with the Su-24M frontline bomber provides almost 100% accuracy.[12]

Ratnik protects almost 90% of a soldier's body. The main body armor with plates, designated 6B45 '6Б45', is rated at protection class 6, according to GOST R 50744-95,[13] and weighs 7.5 kg (with the Assault variant weighing up to 15 kg). The main body armor fully protects from 7.62×39mm rounds from assault rifles, and 7.62×54mmR from sniper rifles, including the increased penetration of hardened rounds, and can survive hits from repeated shots in these calibers conducted at close range.[14] It is claimed that the 6B47 helmet protects a soldier's head 40 percent more than NATO analogs.[15]

The plates inside the vest, designated Granit ('гранит'), are removable from the 6B45 (6Б45), with the inside of the vest being lined with Kevlar for additional protection. These plates are shaped similarly to the "Shooter" variant of the United States Armed Forces Small Arms Protective Insert. The 6B43 was an early iteration of the 6B45 that was initially produced as part of the Ratnik program which had removable Kevlar inserts.

Variants of the Ratnik Program body armor were designed for different purposes including the 6B46 (6Б46) - a lighter-weight, para-droppable design aimed at replicating the popular small form factors and utility of the 6B48 (6Б48) - created for tank crews and issued in 2016.[16] Although the 6B46 (6Б46) was issued as part of the initial Ratnik program, there is not much evidence of them being used by units in the field, with the first mass use seen in public occurring during the Slavic Brotherhood 2019 joint international exercise in Serbia.[17]

The weight of the full Ratnik infantry system with the special thigh and shoulder bulletproof shields is 19–20 kg. Basic Ratnik gear (for engineers and medics) weighs 15 kg (without thigh and shoulder guards). Ratnik gear is made of a special fabric that prevents troops from being detected by infrared devices.[18]

Russia’s TsNIITochMash (part of the Rostec defence conglomerate) has developed more powerful 7N39 ‘Igolnik’ 5.45×39mm cartridge and its 7N40 variant, with an increased density of fire and bullet penetration during its work on the Ratnik soldier gear.[19] Russia’s holding company Shvabe has developed a new, lighter version of the thermal night vision weapon sight, which is to complement the soldier’s field combat gear Ratnik. Russia’s holding company Shvabe also created the technology increasing aiming distance.[20]

Production history

Prototype Ratnik kits were initially distributed to selected units in the Ground Forces in 2013 according to Oleg Martyanov, a member of Russia's Military-Industrial Commission, which acts as the government's liaison with the defense industry.[21] Initially only elite troops will receive the AK-12 as part of the Ratnik system, while the rest of the Ground Forces will continue using the AK-74M into the 2020s.[22]

For the Russian Navy and Engineer Troops, the bulletproof vest is combined with a life vest, so that soldiers and sailors who are thrown into the water won't drown. All Naval Infantry units were equipped with Ratnik gear as of November 2016.[23][24]

Serial deliveries and batch production of Ratnik began in the first half of 2015.[25] About 300,000 Ratnik sets have been delivered as of December 2020.[26] Russia’s Ground Forces and the Navy’s coastal brigades are practically fully equipped with the Ratnik combat gear in March 2019.[27] 18,000 sets delivered in 2019 in basic, commander, sniper, machine-gunner, gunner and tank man versions and 18,000 more in 2020.[28][29][30] A new version for mountainous-desert terrain begun to be delivered in July 2021.[31] Work was carried out in 2021 to include mini-and micro-UAVs, wearable robotic complexes, as well as exoskeletons.[32] The Novosibirsk Instrument Making Plant has developed augmented reality glasses that are integrated into the Ratnik. The estimated cost of one set of glasses is over 500 thousand rubles, or $6,000 USD, $2,000 more than a second generation Microsoft Hololens.[33] 2022 Ratnik deliveries were reportedly completed ahead of time.[34]

List of individual components

Combat Uniform Items

  • VKBO Layer system - a multilayer system manufactured by BTK Group designed for use at temperatures from +15 °C (59 °F) to −40 °C (−40 °F).
  • 6Sh122 Masking Suit (6ш122) - a reversible combat oversuit designed for concealment (This is mainly used as recon) in a variety of environments, it comes in 2 variants, light green and brown.

Combat Equipment

  • 6B45/6B43 (6Б45/6Б43) - Primary body armour system for infantry units
  • 6B46 (6Б46) - Plate carrier style armour system for light-weight units
  • 6B47 (6Б47) - Aramid fibre helmet system rated for small arms fire. Includes two covers that allow the helmet to be jumpable, one white and one in the standard EMR (Digital Flora) pattern.
  • 6B48 (6Б48) Ratnik-ZK - Primary body armour system for tank and AFV crews[35]
  • 6B49 (6Б49) Ratnik-BZK - Anti-fragmentation suit in standard EMR (Digital Flora) pattern.
  • 6Sh116/6Sh117 (6ш116/6ш117) - Load bearing equipment with a variety of utility and magazine pouches to suit the various weapons of the Russian Military, includes a 7-litre 'butt pack' and 25-litre patrol backpack.
  • 6Sh118 RAID Pack (6ш118) - 60-litre backpack designed for carrying large equipment and for long deployments.
  • GSSh-01-01 (6m2-1) - Active hearing protection with radio cable.

Accessories

  • 6B50 (6Б50) - Dust and impact goggles
  • 6B51 (6Б51) - Knee and elbow protection based on an improved version of the Russian-made Splav 'X Pads'
  • 6Sh122 Gloves (6ш122)
  • VKBO Summer boots
  • Faradei Winterised boots
  • 6E5 Light Shovel
  • 6E6 Multitool
  • 6Sh120 Shelter system
  • 6E4-1 Watch
  • FSS-014 Light - light system that can be mounted to 6B47 (6Б47) helmet
  • NF-10 Individual water system
  • 1PN140 and 1PN141 night and thermal vision sights[36]

Users

References

  1. ↑ "Очки экипировки "Ратник" защитят от осколков, летящих со скоростью 350 м/с | Еженедельник "Военно-промышленный курьер"". vpk-news.ru. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Russia's 'soldier of future' combat gear proves its worth in Syria". Archived from the original on 2017-08-25. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
  3. ↑ "Russia Unveils Next-Gen 'Sotnik' Soldier Battle Armor". The Defense Post. 2021-02-02. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
  4. ↑ "Ratnik: Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions". 6 August 2021.
  5. ↑ RUSSIAN LESSONS LEARNED IN SYRIA: An Assessment by Timothy Thomas
  6. ↑ "Russia boasts about its new armor, revealing it was tested in Syria conflict". Newsweek. 23 August 2017.
  7. ↑ "Foreign Military Services Tried on the Ratnik".
  8. ↑ "Tajikistan: Afghan crisis serves as opportunity to show off military might | Eurasianet".
  9. ↑ "Russian servicemen receive new Ratnik combat gear | August 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year".
  10. ↑ "Russian RATNIK Ballistic Fabric for Uniforms | Joint Forces News". Joint Forces News. 23 January 2022.
  11. ↑ "Russian servicemen receive new Ratnik combat gear | August 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year".
  12. ↑ "Russian-made electronic systems in Syrian conflict". Archived from the original on 2019-01-23. Retrieved 2019-01-22.
  13. ↑ "Ratnik: Russia's Warrior of The Future". www.thefirearmblog.com. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  14. ↑ "Видео: Бронежилет "Ратник" расстреляли из СВД и автомата АК-103". Российская газета. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017.
  15. ↑ "ЦАМТО / / «Ростех»: шлем экипировки «Ратник» защищает на 40 проц. лучше аналогов из стран НАТО".
  16. ↑ "Russian tank crews to get new 6B48 Ratnik-ZK individual protection kits Tass 50908161". Army Recognition. 2016-08-09. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  17. ↑ "Slavic Brotherhood 2019: Russian and Serbian troops train to parachute and release hostages" (Press release). Russia. 2019-06-19. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  18. ↑ "Russian soldiers becomes invisible for enemy helicopter with Ratnik combat gear | December 2017 Global Defense Security news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2017 | Archive News year". Archived from the original on 2018-04-03. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  19. ↑ "Russian defense firm develops more powerful 5.45mm rounds for Kalashnikov assault rifles". Archived from the original on 2019-03-02. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
  20. ↑ "Lighter thermal sight to complement combat gear Ratnik". TASS.
  21. ↑ "Russia to Begin Issuing Next-Gen Kit to Soldiers in March | Business | the Moscow Times". Archived from the original on 2015-02-26. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  22. ↑ "Weapons: Ratnik Keeps the Kalishnikov Alive". Archived from the original on 2015-02-27. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  23. ↑ "Russian marines get "Ratnik" infantry combat system - Navy - Interfax". Archived from the original on 2016-11-30. Retrieved 2016-11-29.
  24. ↑ "Новейший страховочный жилет с бронезащитой "Корсар-МП" | Еженедельник "Военно-промышленный курьер"". vpk-news.ru. Archived from the original on December 11, 2016.
  25. ↑ Соединения сибирского спецназа полностью оснащены экипировкой "Ратник"Archived 2015-07-27 at the Wayback Machine (in Russian)
  26. ↑ "Defense contractor delivers some 300,000 Ratnik combat outfits to troops over eight years".
  27. ↑ "Suited up for battle: Russia's army, navy get outfitted with Ratnik combat gear". Archived from the original on 2019-04-01. Retrieved 2019-03-13.
  28. ↑ "Rostec TsNIITOChMASh institute increase revenue by 47 percent in 2019 | February 2020 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year".
  29. ↑ "ЦАМТО / Новости / Российская армия в 2019 году получила 18 тыс. комплектов боевой экипировки «Ратник»". armstrade.org.
  30. ↑ "Defense firm delivers Ratnik combat outfits to Russian troops ahead of schedule".
  31. ↑ "ЦАМТО / / Миротворцы ЦВО получили более 200 комплектов боевой экипировки "Ратник"".
  32. ↑ "Drones and exoskeletons to be part of ambitious Russian Ground Forces equipment".
  33. ↑ "ЦАМТО / / Новосибирский приборостроительный завод разработал очки дополненной реальности".
  34. ↑ "Ростех" отчитался об ускорении производства экипировки "Ратник"
  35. ↑ "ЦАМТО / Новости / В Дальневосточное ВОКУ поступила партия специальной термостойкой экипировки "Ратник-3К" для экипажей боевых машин". armstrade.org.
  36. ↑ "ЦАМТО / Новости / Современная экипировка десантника имеет эффективную противоосколочную и противопульную защиту". armstrade.org.
  37. ↑ D'Costa, Ian (2019-04-05). "Egyptian special forces will soon get a wearable heads up display". Navy Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  38. ↑ "Russian arms deal with Fiji prompts regional concerns". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  39. ↑ Administrator. "Ratnik future soldier individual soldier combat gear system technical data sheet specifications pictures video 12205165 | Russia Russian military field equipment | Russia Russian army military equipment vehicles UK". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  40. ↑ "Russia Says Its 'Iron Man' Exoskeleton Suits Proved 'Very Effective' In Syrian Military Operations". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. 2021-08-28. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
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