Ratnik (program)

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]

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") 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]

•  Egypt[37]
•  Fiji[38]
•  Russia[39]
•  Syria[40]

• 
  6B45 ballistic vest.
• 
  6B46 tactical vest.
• 
  6B47 military helmet.
• 
  6Sh117 all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment.
• 
  1PN139 thermographic monitor, and protective headgear from the 6B49 suit.
• 
  NPI-2 wearable GLONASS receiver for the soldier.
• 
  'Sagittarius' commanding officer tablet computer.
• 
  1PN140 'Shakhin' or 'Shahin' (Шахин) thermal optic for rifle mount