Development of the BEV "Ratnik"
Soldiers wearing early-version Ratnik uniforms. Victory Day Parade 2022.
In the first half of the 2010s, the Russian Army began introducing the latest combat equipment for servicemen, the "Ratnik," into combat units. The introduction of new uniforms, various devices, and modern weapons significantly improved all key performance indicators of units and subunits. Furthermore, the "Ratnik" has been repeatedly improved using new technologies and developments, as well as operational experience.
First stages
It's worth remembering that development of a new combat-weapon system for ground forces began in the late 2000s. In the early 2010s, the industry introduced the finished "Ratnik" kit, and it immediately underwent the necessary testing, including with combat units. In the first half of the decade, the new combat-weapon system entered serial production, and the equipment began to be delivered en masse to the troops.
In parallel with the launch of the series, the first work on improving the Ratnik was underway. Thus, the development of a new rifle continued. weapons For inclusion in the BEV, individual components were improved, etc. By the end of the decade, this led to the emergence of the so-called second generation of equipment. It was fundamentally no different from the basic version, but had a number of important advantages.
Military personnel participating in a special operation at the 2025 parade. The equipment corresponds to the current version of the Ratnik.
At the turn of the decade, news of the next major modernization of the combat vehicle became known. The Ratnik-3 was planned to incorporate a number of fundamentally new components that would simplify various missions. Barring any difficulties, this equipment was expected to be adopted by the mid-1920s and implemented in parallel with the first versions of the Ratnik.
Ways of development
Perhaps the most notable innovation in the early stages of Ratnik's development was the replacement of the standard small arms. Initially, the AK-74M assault rifle was the primary personal weapon. It was later supplemented with new sights and then replaced with the new AK-12.
At one point, the development of a new assault rifle for our infantry encountered certain difficulties and was significantly delayed. However, all issues were ultimately resolved, and riflemen received a new weapon with improved combat and operational characteristics. Furthermore, development of attachments for assault rifles and machine guns continued.
One of the variants of the "Ratnik" set
The standard electronics of the equipment were gradually improved. This primarily involved improving serial products based on operational experience. New communications equipment, tactical systems, and other equipment were also developed. It should be noted that, due to their complexity and high cost, the electronics were delivered to combat units over a relatively long period. However, the mere fact of receiving them had a positive impact on the units' combat effectiveness.
Uniforms and gear were also improved. During the testing and early implementation phases, complaints were received about the quality or design of individual uniform elements, footwear, etc. Gradually, the Ministry of Defense and industry corrected these shortcomings.
New Challenges
In February 2022, the Russian army launched a special operation to defend Donbas. This gave it the opportunity to test its current combat and economic capabilities in a full-scale military operation and reap all the benefits associated with it. The accumulation of useful experience accelerated significantly, which was an additional positive factor.
During combat operations, service members expressed a desire to receive additional equipment and systems in addition to their standard gear. They purchased the necessary items themselves or received them from volunteer organizations. Volunteers and mobilized personnel approached their equipment in a similar manner. Preparing for deployment to the front, they assembled their own equipment.
Thus, in a short period of time, the army experienced a lack of standardization in combat equipment. Various versions of the standard "Ratnik" kits, standard combat equipment with non-standard supplements, and custom-assembled kits were all in use. This lack of uniformity imposed certain limitations and created difficulties. At the same time, it became possible to evaluate and compare various products in combat zones.
No later than the second half of 2022, the Ministry of Defense drew its first conclusions and began refining the standard army combat and economic system. According to available data, over the past period, the ministry has repeatedly updated the Ratnik configuration, implemented new approaches, and so on.
Current Solutions
The first significant innovations began to be implemented centrally by the end of 2022. With the onset of winter, deliveries of new thermal underwear and outerwear based on membrane technologies began. This significantly improved service comfort and mission performance during the cold season. Simultaneously, improvements were made to other items of uniform for other seasons.
A sniper-gunner with a non-standard set of equipment, individually selected
Standard footwear has changed significantly. Previously, high boots of the traditional military style, made of leather or similar materials, were used. Experience with these boots demonstrated the feasibility and necessity of introducing other materials, such as Cordura. Manufacturing technologies have also changed, resulting in new types of boots that combine comfort and reliability. Furthermore, their weight has been reduced by tens of percent.
Protective equipment has changed significantly in recent years. For example, the standard 6B45 bulletproof vest, part of the Ratnik combat armored vehicle, has undergone several modifications that have improved its performance. Specifically, it now has the ability to be quickly discarded in an emergency.
New protective options then emerged, such as plate vests with the ability to install suitable protective elements. These vests, in turn, utilize ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) alongside or in place of metal and ceramics. While maintaining the required protection parameters, these vests are 20-40 percent lighter than traditional designs.
The 6B47 armored helmet is also being refined and improved. As early as 2023-24, the design of the under-body device was modified, improving comfort during extended wear. Later, mounts for additional devices were added to the helmet.
A UAV operator in modern winter gear
Despite all the difficulties, development of the Ratnik-3 project continued. In 2024-25, individual components of this combat-ready system began to enter trial operation. First and foremost, the troops received electronic devices—navigation, communications, and other equipment. More complex components of the equipment may also enter service in the near future.
While existing products were being modified and new ones were being developed, larger, fundamental changes were taking place. For example, in 2022, the country's leadership decided to completely transition to domestically produced equipment and gear. This significantly simplified procurement and delivery, and also accelerated the systematization of experience and product improvement.
New materials and manufacturing technologies are being actively implemented. In recent years, industry has mastered the production of uniforms from new fabrics, the use of protective material treatments, and so on. Significant progress has been made in the field of protective equipment.
Helmet from the Ratnik combat vehicle with additional devices
Plans for the future
In the past, the Ministry of Defense and relevant industrial organizations made plans for the further development of domestic combat combat equipment. This included further upgrades to the Ratnik, as well as the creation of new, similar combat equipment with improved parameters, expanded configuration, and so on. For objective reasons, the implementation of these plans had to be postponed for some time.
Nevertheless, the work continued, and implementation of its results is expected in the foreseeable future. There are reports of the possible commencement of military trials of exoskeletons facilitating movement or handling loads, the development of new electronics, and so on.
The existing Ratnik system is planned to be supplemented with new devices in the coming months or years. Subsequently, new similar projects may be launched. Nevertheless, the current combat-weapon system, actively used by the army, is generally adequate for its intended purposes. However, the need for further refinement and improvement cannot be ruled out—and such measures are being undertaken virtually continuously.
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