Rostec disclosed plans to substantially scale up the production of Obereg body armor vests in response to sustained demand. The information surfaced through Rostec-related channels on a Telegram briefing space dedicated to company news. Rostec did not publish exact figures, but it is understood that the production volume will reach roughly two thousand bulletproof vests per quarter, with output projected to grow significantly in iterative cycles through the year. According to the organization, the 2024 production level is set to rise many times above what was achieved in 2023, reflecting a strategic push to expand manufacturing capacity and meet ongoing needs for enhanced personal protection gear.
The Obereg vest is manufactured at Rostec’s Octava facility in Tula, with production having begun in the spring of 2023. The developer claims that the vest can absorb a direct hit from B-32 armor-piercing rounds, underscoring its intended role in challenging field conditions. The product design centers on a chest plate composed of ceramic elements designed to absorb the kinetic energy of incoming projectiles, combined with a high molecular plastic layer that delivers Br5 class protection. In testing scenarios, the plate endured three hits from B-32 armor-piercing rounds fired from a sniper rifle at a ten-meter distance, and withstood two additional strikes using less powerful ammunition, illustrating its validated resilience across common engagement ranges.
Rostec’s update comes amid broader efforts within Russia to bolster defense-related manufacturing capabilities. Earlier developments in the defense tech sector included the creation of a new drone suppression system, signaling a broader push to advance protective technologies and countering capabilities in well-defined submarkets. Rostec’s emphasis on domestic production aligns with strategic goals to expand in-country supply chains for critical equipment and to ensure timely provisioning for security and defense needs. The company has highlighted the practical implications of these upgrades for personnel deployed in potentially high-risk environments, where reliable protection can influence both operational outcomes and personnel safety. Throughout this growth trajectory, Rostec continues to emphasize the importance of rigorous testing and quality assurance to maintain protective performance standards while scaling output to meet demand. According to Rostec’s public communications, the ongoing ramp-up is designed to balance production capacity with stringent safety and performance benchmarks, thereby supporting a more resilient supply chain for protective gear. The initiative reflects a coordinated approach to industrial self-sufficiency and defense readiness, with the Octava site playing a central role in delivering robust body armor solutions to end users. As production scales, the company is expected to monitor field feedback and performance data to refine materials, protection levels, and user comfort in subsequent iterations. The overarching aim is to deliver reliable, field-ready armor that combines effective ballistic resistance with practical usability. In this context, the Obereg vest represents a concrete example of how domestic manufacturing capabilities are being mobilized to address real-world protective requirements. The broader narrative emphasizes continued investment in research, materials science, and manufacturing know-how to sustain progress in personal protection technologies. The latest disclosures from Rostec reinforce a commitment to expanding manufacturing capacity while maintaining rigorous product standards for end-users in demanding operational contexts. The company stresses that ongoing assessments will guide future enhancements and iterations of the Obereg line to ensure alignment with evolving protective needs as field conditions evolve. Overall, these developments reflect a sustained push toward greater self-reliance in critical defense equipment and a proactive stance on ensuring that protective gear remains accessible at scale. According to Rostec communications, the subject remains a focal point of the organization’s strategic manufacturing agenda. This narrative situates the Obereg program within a broader ecosystem of defense innovation and domestic production expansion, signaling confidence in the capabilities of the Tula-based facility to deliver reliable protection for personnel in active duty scenarios.