Ukraine’s answer to fragment threats: $589 solution that meets NATO standards and works at -40°C

Ukraine has developed another innovation independently during the war. Ukraine's Defense Ministry and the Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces have created a new individual protective equipment — a universal field tent. The cost of one unit is $589.

The first technological solution created in Ukraine for individual protection

“This is the first technological solution created in Ukraine for the needs of individual and group protection of service members, which meets modern combat requirements and increases personnel protection,” the Ukrainian Defense Ministry noted.

These blankets offer ballistic protection against fragments and can be used individually or collectively. This enables them to be adapted to various tactical conditions and different methods of use at the line of contact.

The soft ballistic package ensures F5 fragmentation resistance class, based on a Vproof confirmation criterion of 550 m/s with a 95% confidence level and an error probability of 0.2.

The F5 is a NATO STANAG 2920 standard level for fragment resistance.

The product maintains its protective properties at humidity levels from 40% to 70% and temperatures from −40 °C to +70 °C for at least six hours. Each ballistic blanket will be marked with a QR code giving access to a text-based user manual.

The blanket is a universal tool capable of meeting different tactical needs. It can be used as protection:

• during movement in open terrain;
• for covering dugouts and positions;
• When armored elements are not inside a vehicle;
• during casualty evacuation.

Ukraine will purchase the first 5,300 ballistic blankets, valued at more than $3 million. Delivery is expected by the end of February 2026. Additional procurements are expected to take place next year, in accordance with the stated needs of the Armed Forces.