Bulletproof vests "Obereg" in production and at the front
A fighter in a "Obereg" bulletproof vest
About two years ago, the Russian industry presented the first bulletproof vests of the Obereg series. Soon, full-scale serial production was launched, and batches of such products began to arrive in units of our army. Now, several models of Obereg bulletproof vests are actively used in the Special Operation zone and help preserve the lives and health of fighters.
Family of protective equipment
The development and production of protective equipment of the Obereg family is carried out by the Tula plant Oktava, which is part of the RT-Capital holding of the Rostec state corporation. Previously, this enterprise was only engaged in the production of electronics, but in 2022 it decided to use its existing experience and mastered technologies in a new area for itself.
The first bulletproof vests of the future Obereg family were developed at the turn of 2022-23. Soon, Oktava mastered their production and shipped the first batches of products to active army units for testing. The bulletproof vests showed good results and were recommended for serial production. This process began no later than the spring of the same 2023.
The general public first learned about the Obereg in April 2023. At that time, the Rostec press service revealed the very fact of the existence of the new bulletproof vest, and also announced its main features and characteristics. In addition, it was reported that serial production and deliveries to the troops had begun.
"Amulet" with additional elements
At that time, the Oktava plant could produce up to 2 thousand bulletproof vests per quarter. At the same time, it was ready to expand production, and thereby increase output to 7-7,5 thousand items per quarter. Judging by further reports, production was indeed increased. However, the current rates of production and shipment of finished bulletproof vests, for obvious reasons, remain unknown.
Line development
Simultaneously with the launch of the series, the development of the original design began. The basic bulletproof vest of the line has been repeatedly improved and improved over time. After all the changes, it was named "Obereg.Pro". It is produced serially and delivered to customers.
Another result of such work was shown in July 2023 at the exhibition "Advanced Technologies Day" organized by the Russian National Guard. It was an assault version of the "Obereg", distinguished by an increased area of protection while maintaining a high level of durability.
Then, in August, at the Army-2023 forum, a modification of the bulletproof vest with improved ergonomics was presented. It was based on the basic version of the Obereg and had the same level of protection, but was distinguished by its reduced weight, which provided certain advantages.
Over the next few months, new versions of the body armor went into production. No later than October of that year, the first batches of such products were handed over to units of the Russian army.
In March 2024, Rostec presented a new model of the existing family under the designation "Obereg-S". The letter "S" indicated the purpose of this model - it was made for sappers and explosive ordnance experts involved in demining. The "sapper" body armor differs from previous models by a newly increased protection area, as well as some design and ergonomic features.
At that time, "Obereg-S" was undergoing tests, the results of which were to determine its future. In case of positive results, the launch of production and the beginning of deliveries were expected. According to some information, all activities were successful, and explosive ordnance experts began to receive new protection.
In February 2025, Oktava presented another bulletproof vest, which is part of the existing family. The Obereg-SN product is intended for concealed wear and should protect the user only from pistol bullets or shrapnel. This project is based on the developments of previous bulletproof vests, but they are implemented taking into account other requirements.
By now, the Tula enterprise has mastered serial production of several bulletproof vests of the Obereg line. Thus, for the army, the general-purpose Obereg.Pro, the sapper Obereg-S or Obereg-GR, the concealed-carrying product SN, etc. can be expected that in the near future, Oktava and Rostec will present new models with certain features.
Results of application
In October 2023, Rostec launched the Nash Krash project, a TV program that shows visual tests of various modern developments. In its first episode, the basic version of the Obereg bulletproof vest was tested.
"Obereg-SN" for concealed wearing
The product with the maximum level of protection Br5 was subjected to fire from different weapons using various ammunition. The vest's protective elements successfully passed the test and confirmed the calculated characteristics. Even the .338 LM cartridge did not provide through penetration.
However, the main task of bulletproof vests is not to demonstrate their capabilities at the training ground, but to protect personnel. The development organizations regularly publish various stories about the successes of the "Amulets" in saving the lives and health of soldiers.
Thus, in April 2025, they told about a soldier who came under enemy mortar fire. A large fragment of the mine hit the soldier's chest and dealt him a powerful blow. The fabric part of the bulletproof vest was torn, and the protective package was also damaged. However, the combined protection stopped the large fragment and small striking elements. Despite the nature of the threat, the soldier got off with several bruises and a cracked rib.
At the end of July, another case of successful use of the Obereg in the Pro version became known. Two servicemen in a Niva vehicle were delivering cargo near the front line when they were attacked by an enemy UAV. The first UAV hit the nose of the vehicle and exploded, scattering fragments. The driver was able to get out, but the second fighter was trapped in his seat. While he was trying to knock the door down, a second UAV hit the roof.
The soldier in the car remained alive, although he received injuries to his hands. At the same time, "Obereg.Pro" stopped the largest and most dangerous fragments. In particular, the bulletproof vest protected the neck and saved the soldier from the most dangerous injuries.
The bulletproof vest that saved a soldier and the shrapnel it caught, July 2025.
It is obvious that the successes of the Obereg body armor are not limited to the episodes published by the Rostec press service. Thousands of such products may already be present in the combat zone, and they regularly have to protect their users from various threats. Full statistics of this kind are of great interest, but for obvious reasons are not published.
The modern approach
The main products of the Obereg series have a similar design. The basis of such a means of protection is a vest made of nylon Cordura fabric, which has a set of pockets for placing protective elements. Different models of vests differ in the area of protection, a set of pockets, the presence of additional modules, etc. So, in addition to the chest and back, the bulletproof vest can cover the neck, sides and groin. There are also straps on the outside of the vest for attaching equipment. Inside, the vest is equipped with the so-called climate-cushioning support - a soft lining that absorbs impacts.
The chest and back sections of the body armor are equipped with protective packages of a combined design. This is a package made of metal, ceramics and high-molecular polyethylene. Two versions of the package with protection levels Br4 and Br5 are offered. This protection was developed and is manufactured by Oktava independently.
The side sections are equipped with similar combined protection. However, for ergonomic reasons, they are thinner and have a protection level from Br1 to Br3. The collar, shoulder protection or groin pad contain only soft protection. Other interesting solutions are also envisaged. For example, on the Obereg-S bulletproof vest, the lower protection elements do not interfere with the explosive expert working while kneeling.
The area and level of protection, as well as the ergonomics of different "Oberegs" vary. Thus, military-purpose products in the maximum configuration weigh up to 10 kg and cover an area of 60 sq. dm. In turn, the "civilian" bulletproof vest "Obereg-SN" is several times lighter, but also protects a smaller area.
A car after being hit by two UAVs. Obereg.Pro bulletproof vests saved its crew
As tests, demonstrations and practice have shown, the main protection blocks withstand hits from bullets of various weapons and fragments, including heavy ones. Other elements protect against bullets with lower energy or fragments of various ammunition. In turn, the climatic-cushioning support absorbs the bulk of the impact energy.
It should be noted that in the current conflict, anti-fragmentation protection is of particular importance. Due to the current situation, Ukrainian formations are forced to actively use strike UAVs, including improvised ones. The role of traditional firepower has been reduced.
In such a situation, the main threat to our soldiers is fragments of various ammunition. Such striking elements have limited penetrating ability, but still pose a danger to health and life. As a result, there is a need for bulletproof vests and other means with a sufficient level of protection and an increased area.
One of the responses to such threats was the Obereg series of bulletproof vests. Within this family, several products with different characteristics were created at once based on common technologies and solutions. In essence, we are talking about a modular approach with all its advantages.
It should be recalled that modern bulletproof vests are developed and manufactured not only by Oktava. A number of other domestic organizations produce similar products and also use modern solutions. All these enterprises ensure the supply of armies with modern means of protection - with clear positive consequences for the safety of soldiers.
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