Ukraine Adopts New 1–11 Modular Armor as Fragment Injuries Surge to 90% on Frontlines

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced that the State Rear Logistics Operator (DOT) has initiated its first purchase of modular body armor in the expanded 1–11 configuration. The decision follows the ministry’s July 2025 approval of additional protective elements designed to address the growing prevalence of fragment and shrapnel injuries among troops.

“The expansion of the configuration is due to a change in the nature of injuries at the frontline: over 90% of injuries are caused by fragments and shrapnel,” the ministry stated on its official website.

The updated 1–11 set now includes protection for the forearms, lower legs, and tailbone, in addition to the existing eight-component modular system.

The full body armor configuration includes eight components:

• front and back covers with soft ballistic inserts and hard armor plates;

• neck and groin covers with soft ballistic inserts;

• shoulder and hip covers with soft ballistic protection;

• a cummerbund;

• and an unloading belt with a soft ballistic insert.

According to the Defense Ministry, the new modules are capable of stopping pistol rounds and shrapnel weighing up to 1.1 grams at speeds reaching 600 meters per second. The forearm and lower-leg units also function as elbow and knee guards.

“The new elements have a high protection class and provide additional comfort and safety during combat missions,” the statement read.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that modular armor provides flexibility for soldiers to adjust their protection level according to mission requirements.

Earlier, it was reported that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense began testing new women’s uniforms and highlighted the need for gender-specific body armor that meets protection requirements while reducing plate weight.

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