The Tula Oktava plant, part of the Rostec portfolio, is advancing a lighter variant of the Obereg body armor that aims to match the protection level of the base model. This update was shared by the plant’s general director, Pavel Pavlenko, during Rostec’s project Our Collapse. The news was circulated through the channels of the state corporate network.
Pavlenko confirmed that the second version of the vest has reached the final stages of development. Adjustments in configuration and plates compatible with the Br5 protection class are underway, while the overall weight is set to drop to around 10 kilograms, a reduction of roughly 2 kilograms. He emphasized that saving even a couple of kilograms matters to soldiers in prolonged wear, noting the cumulative strain on the spine and the body after hours of activity. The lighter design is expected to improve comfort and mobility without compromising performance.
According to the plant head, the protective capabilities of the new bulletproof vests will remain intact. The engineering choices focus on maintaining energy absorption and impact resistance while optimizing weight and ergonomics for field use.
Initial communications indicated that the Obereg armor, capable of withstanding direct hits from high-penetration B-32 rounds, would weigh 11.7 kilograms. Production was slated to begin at the Oktava facility in April. The chest armor plate on the vest provides Br5 protection and is constructed from high molecular plastic with ceramic components designed to absorb the bullet’s kinetic energy. Side sections carry Br1 protection but can be upgraded to Br3 upon request from the customer, enabling customization based on mission requirements and user preferences.
As part of the Our Crash initiative, Rostec enterprises will subject produced equipment to crash and durability tests to validate performance under extreme conditions. The program outlines deliberate stress scenarios to ensure that materials and assembly methods maintain integrity during demanding field conditions. These testing protocols aim to establish reliable safety margins and to support informed procurement decisions for defense and security forces.
In related notes, a former military professional commented on the use of cluster munitions by Ukrainian forces near Ugledar. The remarks highlight ongoing discussions about battlefield tactics, safety considerations, and compliance with international norms in modern warfare. The conversation underscores the importance of robust protective gear, rapid innovation, and rigorous testing to support personnel who operate in high-risk environments.