The product can stop a bullet from a pistol, a knife, or a splinter.
The production of assault body armor for dogs has been established in Kazan. Unlike sappers, these products are less bulky, which allows the animal to maintain high mobility. A bulletproof vest can stop a bullet from a pistol, a knife, or a splinter. It comes with a leash, a special dog handler's bag, and other accessories. Experts point out that light bulletproof vests are necessary for dogs in their area, as they are often engaged in carrying goods, guarding important facilities or positions on the front line or in the near rear.
Armor for dogs
Bulletproof vests for dogs are designed to maximize mobility, but at the same time cover all vital organs. Unlike the products that are produced for sapper dogs, the novelty is less bulky, which allows the four-legged to remain as mobile and fast as possible. The small weight of the product allows the animal to maintain its strength longer and not get tired, the BPR Jarl manufacturing company told Izvestia.
According to the manufacturers, the first bulletproof vests were made for the cynological service of one of the law enforcement agencies.
At the same time, the products are as versatile as possible — they are suitable for most dogs weighing from 15 to 30 kg. Textile Velcro fasteners allow you to vary the size of the armor.
"The armor protection of a BR—1 class product makes it possible to stop a bullet from a pistol, a knife, or a fragment," Artem Ivlev, director of the BPR Jarl group of companies, told Izvestia. — The outer layer is cordura—1000 wear-resistant fabric. Powerful buckles are also used to fix and adjust the product — they will not be chewed or broken.
Photo: provided by the Jarl company
Image source: iz.ru
The body armor comes with a dog handler's bag, which contains a harness, a volume-adjustable collar, and two leashes, one of which has a shock-absorbing elastic band. There is also a feeding purse where the dog handler can put food for his pet, napkins and other necessary things.
The products have already been tested in the area of a special military operation.
— Body armor is already being delivered there, — said Artem Ivlev. — They are already saving the lives of dogs. We have many thanks from the leadership of the Kherson region.
Image source: Photo: provided by Jarl
Human lives also depend on the equipment of service dogs, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
"In particular, they detect explosives before our soldiers walk down the road," he said. — The cost of training dogs is very high, and the training itself is not a fast process. Of course, they need personal protection. Every loss of a four-legged fighter is significant, it is not so easy to make up for it. And the dog itself is quite vulnerable. So, if a shell explodes next to her, she can be caught by shrapnel and seriously injured. In this case, a bulletproof vest, of course, will help. Therefore, if they start to be produced at the industrial level, then these products will find their niche.
— Of course, a properly designed bulletproof vest, taking into account all norms, is able to save the life of both humans and dogs. It is definitely necessary to protect the lives of four—legged fighters," Savva Burlingas, owner of the Broneezh personal protective equipment company, told Izvestia.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov
Image source: iz.ru
In the war zone and in the immediate rear, dogs are usually used for mine clearance, protection of important facilities or strongholds, as well as for carrying goods, service dog training specialists interviewed by Izvestia said. The four-legged sappers have heavy body armor that covers most of their bodies.
Lighter products will be useful for dogs engaged in carrying goods or guarding, experts noted, they need a combination of protection and the ability to move quickly.
"Dogs are not used as kamikazes or for direct attacks on the enemy," said one of the dog handlers. — In a fight with a soldier who is armed with a machine gun, she has no chance. She just won't get to the enemy. But they are often used to carry loads — dogs can carry up to 15 kg, which helps to supply advanced units or individual shooters where it is difficult for a person to pass. Also, four-legged animals have proven themselves well in protecting objects. They are the first to raise the alarm in case of danger. Of course, such work is necessary — it helps to save people's lives.
Photo: provided by the Jarl company
Image source: iz.ru
The dog handlers also noted that when performing such tasks, the animals are in a zone where mortars and artillery are being fired, tactical kamikaze drones are operating, and in this case a bulletproof vest is simply necessary.
"Protection from splinters is important," said one of the dog handlers. — It's no secret that they're causing the most injuries right now.
Earlier, Izvestia wrote that dogs in the free zone are the first assistants in clearing buildings and industrial sites. Animals are trained to recognize TNT, rdx, gunpowder, and other explosives. Sappers note that dogs, despite modern technology, are still the most effective tool for searching for explosive substances.
For all occasions
SVO gave an impetus to the development of individual protection for fighters. In particular, a bulletproof vest for women was developed in Russia. The set of a vest, anti-splinter bags and plates of the BR-5 protection class weighs about 7.5 kg.
It is made taking into account the anatomical features of the female body, that is, it has a special cut in the chest area and an enlarged front panel. He also received a special design of the side wings of the front panel, which provides protection, taking into account the fact that in women the breastplate does not fit tightly to the body.
Bullet-proof vests have already been tested in the military area. They are especially in demand among medical women who rescue people on the front line, as they often have to take the wounded to the rear from under fire.
Body armor "Bor-M"
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Anna Selina
Another new body armor, the Bor-M, allows a fighter to stay afloat. A ballistic package and a shock-absorbing damper made of lightweight materials give it positive buoyancy. At the same time, the main characteristics of the bulletproof vest do not deteriorate from this — it can protect against an automatic or machine-gun bullet. The protection class of the vest is BR-4.
The Bor-M design does not restrict movement, allows you to wear combat belts, move around in a car and perform any physical actions.
Bulletproof vests are already used in the military — they are supplied by volunteers, and they are also purchased by the fighters themselves.
Bogdan Stepovoy
Julia Leonova
