Невесомый аргумент: полевую форму для спецназа начали шить из облегченной ткани
Purpose-Built Lightness
Russian developers have launched the production of gear for special forces made from a new high-strength fabric, Izvestia has learned. Its density has been reduced from 240 g/m² to 195 g/m², while breathability has tripled and strength remains at the previous level. Another advantage of the fabric is that clothing made from it dries 25% faster after becoming completely soaked. This is particularly important when operating in field conditions, where a uniform's ability to wick moisture and dry quickly directly impacts the comfort and physical condition of servicemen, said Andrey Podoprigorin, Executive Director for State Defense Procurement at the BTK Group of Companies.
Unlike standard army uniforms, special forces gear must account for a wide variety of operational environments—from urban areas and mountainous terrain to regions with extremely low temperatures. Consequently, several variants of the clothing are produced, differing in design and material properties.
A separate development focus at BTK is summer gear for Rosgvardia (the Russian National Guard) special units. It includes four types of suits: basic, lightweight, arctic, and fire-resistant. Each is adapted to specific operating conditions and features unique cuts and materials. A concrete example of this development is the combat shirt for Rosgvardia special units. A supply contract has already been signed, and production is underway. Furthermore, the new fabric is suitable for other elements of the summer kit, such as jackets and trousers.
"Our task is not merely to provide individual protective properties, but to combine them within a single garment. For instance, permanently fire-resistant fabrics are typically stiffer; however, the suit must remain comfortable even during prolonged wear. It is crucial that the material wicks moisture away from the body, protects against precipitation, and does not restrict a serviceman's movement," Podoprigorin explained.
When creating this gear, the manufacturer employs a layering principle. The base layer incorporates odor-control technology, allowing for less frequent washing in field conditions. For protection against strong winds and rain, modern membrane materials are used, which retain their properties during long-term use and temperature fluctuations.
Reducing weight without compromising functionality is one of the main trends in the development of military uniforms, experts emphasize.
"Modern uniforms must not only protect against external elements but also ensure comfort during prolonged missions. Therefore, during development, we pay attention not only to the strength and durability of the materials but also to how comfortably a serviceman can move and work in such clothing," Podoprigorin noted. "Our benchmark is to create gear that does not distract from the task at hand, does not chafe, and does not restrict movement. Ideally, a person should barely notice they are wearing specialized clothing."
The items have received positive feedback following trials. Special forces personnel highlighted the material's lightness, breathability, and strength, as well as its ability to retain color during active use.
The Fabric Matters
Reducing the weight of field uniforms is especially critical when servicemen must cover long distances on foot while carrying additional gear, a veteran of the People's Militia of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), using the callsign "Naruto," told Izvestia. Lighter fabric can provide a substantial advantage, particularly in a multi-layer clothing kit, provided it maintains its strength, moisture-wicking capabilities, and temperature regulation.
"Currently, foot marches over many kilometers have become standard practice not only for special forces but also for infantry units. Routes are constantly lengthening, and every extra kilogram matters. Therefore, a 20% reduction in clothing weight is a truly significant advantage," he said.
According to "Naruto," the main challenge for manufacturers is combining lightness, strength, durability, moisture-wicking, and protection, as some of these properties can be mutually exclusive. For example, membrane materials excel at passing vapor and protecting against moisture, but they require special care and may be less durable than other fabrics. Fire resistance is also a critical factor in modern conditions.
"Manufacturers have to find a balance between these characteristics, utilize modern materials, reinforce areas prone to abrasion, and incorporate ventilation panels. This is what distinguishes high-quality combat gear from ordinary sportswear," the Izvestia interlocutor noted.
Valery Yuryev, Chairman of the Union of Russian Paratroopers, also highlighted the importance of durability and the ability to maintain the uniform's original appearance. He noted that military clothing must not only camouflage the fighter but also maintain a presentable appearance.
"One should not chase complex characteristics at the expense of basic requirements. The material must primarily be reliable and withstand prolonged wear. It is important to understand how long it will last under real-world conditions," Yuryev emphasized. "Sometimes uniforms are made lighter, but after a few days of active wear, they tear. A second set is generally not provided by supply norms, forcing servicemen to find a replacement on their own."
Requirements for the outer layer of the gear—insulated jackets and trousers—have also changed, "Naruto" pointed out. Initially, such clothing was designed by analogy with mountaineering gear; however, it must now withstand prolonged use directly in combat zones.
"During the Special Military Operation (SMO), it became clear that outer layers need to be reinforced and adapted for extended use. Servicemen perform combat missions, stand guard, and spend long hours in trenches while wearing this clothing. This presents entirely different requirements for materials and design," "Naruto" concluded.
Yuryev added that the use of domestic raw materials is of particular importance, as it reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
Consequently, manufacturers will continue to refine military clothing based on field experience. Among the primary objectives are reducing weight, increasing durability, and adapting materials to prolonged physical loads. At the same time, lightening the uniform must not come at the expense of its reliability.
