Experimental testing of Russian-made Future Soldier Ratnik equipment will begin in spring 2015 28121.

The Institute is also known because it develops and manufactures the most massive types of weapons and military equipment for various types of troops.

The share of Russian components in the outfit of “future soldier” “Ratnik” is more than 95%, TSNIITOCHMASH CEO Dmitry Semizorov said to Russian News agency TASS.

“In gear “Ratnik” more than 95% of all the elements are designed and manufactured by Russian enterprises. Imported components are mainly presented in the control and communication system,” said Semizorov.

According to him, the supply of individual items of equipment to the troops has already begun, and the next year it will be supplied kits already in full volume. Earlier this week it was announced that in the spring of 2015 Army will begin testing of all elements of the “Ratnik”, including AK-12 and AEK-971 rifles.

Experimental operation of “Ratnik”, according to a member of the board of the Military-Industrial Commission Oleg Martyanov will go over 2015, and after its completion it will be determined the number and series of deliveries of equipment to the troops.

The Ratnik includes more than 40 components, including firearms, body armor and optical, communication and navigation devices, as well as life support and power supply systems, and even knee and elbow pads. The equipment can be used by regular infantry, rocket launcher operators, machine gunners, drivers and scouts.

The Ratnik gear has been successfully tested by the Russian military but is adoption into service has been delayed due to uncertainty with the choice of small arms component, which is likely to include the new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle.