Article Posted on : - Feb 21, 2014

Image via internet

MOSCOW (BNS): The Russian military will be equipped with domestically designed 'future soldier' gear called Ratnik this summer, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The Ratnik gear is intended for the ground forces. Russian paratroopers are currently in the final stages of field testing the equipment, a RIA Novosti report said.

Induction of the Ratnik gear into operational service has been repeatedly delayed due to uncertainty over the choice of small arms component, which is likely to include the new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle, it said.

The Ratnik gear comprises about 50 components, including firearms, body armour and optical, communication and navigation devices, as well as life support and power supply systems.

The equipment can be used by regular infantry, paratroopers, rocket launcher operators, machine gunners, drivers and scouts.

With growing concerns of urban warfare and dismounted infantry actions, other countries are developing similar future soldier equipment programmes.

The Future Soldier Project includes US the Land Warrior programme, Germany IdZ, Britain FIST, Spain's COMFUT, Sweden's IMESS and France's FELIN system.