Ratnik program

Navigation and control system

The Ratnik program ( Russian Ратник , warrior ) is a project of the Russian military to modernize the equipment and command of the Russian infantry .

background

The NATO began in the 1990s in order to protect their ground troops better and make it more effective. The Russian military also took this project (commonly known as the Future Soldier ) as an opportunity to adapt the infantry equipment to future conditions. The program includes more than just developing a new combat suit. In particular, communication and information gathering on the battlefield are in the foreground. It is primarily intended to equip special units with it. In total, more than 40 individual pieces of equipment are part of the scope of the program.

scope

Combat communication system UNKW-03

Protective equipment: Protection against projectiles from infantry weapons and shrapnel with new helmets, body armor and bullet-proof vests
Radio equipment for encrypted communication
electronic positioning and navigation via satellite systems such as GLONASS and GPS
Night vision and thermal imaging devices, reflex sights
Friend / enemy detection for soldiers and combat vehicles
Weapons and ammunition

component	GRAY index	image
Bulletproof vest	6B45
Protective vest / harness	6B46
Protective helmet with optical assembly	6B47
Modular vest / harness	6Sch117

One of the most important points is the replacement of the previous standard AK-74 assault rifle . As new standard weapons, the AK- 103-4 and the AK-12 are in the closer selection. Both are further developments of the tried and tested AK series , but here with a focus on improved modularity through mounting rails . A fundamentally new development ( A545 ) was also planned, but is uncertain due to the lack of production capacities at the Degtjarjowwerk in Kowrow . Instead, the factory in Izhevsk of the Kalashnikov concern (formerly known as Ismasch ) will manufacture the weapons.

implementation

The program was presented to the public for the first time at the MAKS 2011 . Troop trials began the following year. In 2014 some troops were already equipped with Ratnik components. During the Crimean crisis in spring 2014, soldiers with Ratnik equipment were spotted. 50,000 more units are to be delivered every year.