Russian army will adopt the Ratnik future soldier individual equipment gear for this summer 2102142.

The new Russian Future Soldier project comprises up-to-date small arms, effective protection kits, reconnaissance assets and communication equipment, - a total of some 10 subsystems. The "Ratnik" increases also the protection of soldiers against firing of small arms, as well as artillery shell and mine fragments.

The "Ratnik" is also equipped with the "Strelets" control unit, comprising communications equipment, a targeting indicator, as well as an information and identification system.

The adoption of the Ratnik gear into service has been repeatedly delayed due to uncertainty over the choice of small arms component, which is likely to include the new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle. The equipment is currently in the final stages of field testing by Russian paratroopers.

Ratnik comprises about 50 components, including firearms, body armor and optical, communication and navigation devices, as well as life support and power supply systems.

The equipment can be used by regular infantry, paratroopers, rocket launcher operators, machine gunners, drivers and scouts.

According to Russian military sources, the "Ratnik" is better in every way than its predecessor, the battle suit "Barmitsa", and obviously superior to its French analogue FELIN, which was originally to be considered as the main prototype.

"Ratnik" weighs 20 kilograms, or 6 kilos less than its French analogue FELIN, and is fit for action in all conditions any time of the day.