Solutions to win: Ukraine bolsters soldiers’ safety with five new models of combat helmets

Five samples of ballistic combat helmets have been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the defense ministry reports.

What is the problem?

Ukrainian soldiers require as much protection as possible during combat to effectively repel Russian occupiers and survive in the process. 

The research on ballistic protection speaks for itself: for the military in a combat environment, losses from a ballistic impact can be reduced by 19% (if a helmet is used) and by 50% (if a bulletproof vest is worn with a helmet). 

Studies show that "although the head takes up only 9% of the body area exposed during combat, it still receives over 20% of all hits."

What is the solution?

The Ukrainian defense ministry is making efforts to bolster soldiers' safety on the front line with five new samples of ballistic combat helmets. 

These tactical helmets protect soldiers from threats such as bullets and shrapnel. It is usually worn with ballistic body armor to provide full coverage and protection in combat. The ministry reports that each of the five models was tested at bases.

How does it work?

The new helmet has side rails for attaching headphones, flashlights, and a front attachment for night vision devices, thermal imagers, and a camera. 

These 1st class protection helmets can withstand five shots of a 9mm Makarov bullet and five shots of a 9mm Luger bullet.

The helmet shell must resist damage by typical simulator fragments weighing 1.1 g, having a V50 speed of at least 670 m/s, and firing from a distance of 5 m.

"The defense ministry's technical specification defines the requirements for a combat ballistic helmet's sizes and anatomical overlapping areas," the report says. "For each size, the military standard determines a recommended helmet weight, which should be no more than 1.5 kg." 

During the testing of the helmets, the suspension system, fasteners, pads, their shape, and dimensions were changed until they were polished to maximum convenience. After receiving positive feedback from the military, the manufacturers sent the helmets for ballistic and non-ballistic tests.

"Based on the results, we received protocols on compliance with our requirements and approved five samples of helmets," the ministry said. "Currently, we conduct military experimental tests of new helmet models – one of Ukrainian and two of foreign manufacturers."

Rubryka reported that the Mykolaiv Bekfire drone was approved for use in the Ukrainian army. We also reported that the defense ministry is testing "tactical sneakers" for the soldiers.

Rubryka also gathered a list of helpful inventions for the front line from Ukrainian entrepreneurs and volunteers.

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian patriots have done their best to support and help the armed forces. Ukrainians donate, volunteer, invent, and execute many creative ideas for soldiers to return home safe and sound with victory.

Find out more in our article: Protect, feed, support: 10 small inventions help Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.