New Combat Gear for Ukrainian Soldiers: ‘Hero of Ukraine’ Lieutenant Colonel Syriayev Designs Armor Against Drones

A new, reinforced combat suit designed by Lieutenant Colonel Oleksiy Syriayev—who was recently awarded the title ‘Hero of Ukraine’—has been developed specifically to protect Ukrainian soldiers from explosives and drone shrapnel as the war continues. Constructed from Kevlar and other shock-absorbing materials, the suit offers full-body coverage with additional reinforced protection at critical points such as elbows, knees, and ankles, according to reports. The need for this kind of armor reflects the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: troops remain in fixed positions for extended periods, facing a primary threat from drone and artillery explosions rather than small arms fire. This suit is mainly designed for protection against fragments, not bullets. By using Kevlar—a heat-resistant synthetic fiber—and other shock-absorbent materials, the suit minimizes the impact of vibrations caused by shrapnel. Although Kevlar isn’t as effective against bullets as traditional bulletproof vests, it is lighter and addresses the main threat on today’s battlefield: drone attacks. Syriayev himself emphasized that his experience fighting unmanned aerial vehicles motivated him to create this gear. ‘We are developing the idea so that, beyond bulletproof vests and helmets, uniforms can be made from ‘armored fabric’ that stops specific-sized fragments from penetrating.’ The Ukrainian commander explained that the new suits aim to offer maximum protection, featuring specially reinforced areas at joints. At the same time, designers are exploring boots with shock-resistant soles suited for battlefield conditions. However, fully armored suits are rarely used by armies due to reduced mobility and the risk of overheating, except by specialized units. Similarly, Russian special forces have occasionally appeared wearing similar suits during specific missions. Traditional bulletproof vests, which usually contain heavy plates to protect vital organs from bullets, can be removed when mobility is more important than protection, such as during long movements toward the battlefield. Ultimately, they provide some blast resistance but are primarily intended to defend against gunfire.