#FutureSoldier

During the ARMY-2017 arms exhibition, the Ratnik-3 “future soldier” concept was demonstrated again. This time Russian companies’ officials who develop the project revealed more details concerning Ratnik-3.

Russia’s next-generation infantry modernization program is in full swing, and while here at TFB we’ve covered two of the rifles, the AEK-571/A545 and AK-12, competing for orders as part of the program, but the program as a whole is more extensive than just a new infantry weapon. The project, called Ratnik (a Russian word equivalent to “warrior”) is a total modernization of infantry equipment, introducing over 40 new items, including camouflage, comms gear, sights, body armor, navigation equipment, designators, and, of course, small arms. A three-year order for Ratnik equipment was placed in October of last year, and is expected to consist of deliveries of 50,000 units per year.

Gizmodo has a nice pictorial roundup of Future Soldier programs from around the world. Its not a comprehensive list, its missing a number of countries, such as the recently announced Sudanese program we blogged about a few weeks ago, but its worth taking a look. The photo above is of Spanish troops participating in the Combatiente Futuro (COMFUT) program.