Troops in Afghanistan to get better body armour

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 23:04

BRITISH troops fighting in the front line in Afghanistan are to be issued with upgraded body armour and helmets.

The Osprey Assault body armour and the enhanced Mark 7 helmets to be distributed to soldiers in the autumn were unveiled at the Ministry of Defence's defence equipment show yesterday. They were designed using feedback from soldiers.

An MoD spokeswoman said the new armour has the ballistic protection "stopping power" of the current Osprey but is closer fitting, less bulky and easier to move in. It also includes a new system for carrying ammunition, first aid equipment and other items of vital kit.

The improved helmet has the same protection as the current MK 6A but a new harness keeps it more stable on the head when night vision equipment is fitted.

It is also better integrated with new weapon sights, making it easier to use weapons in a variety of fighting positions.

Approximately 10,000 sets of equipment have been ordered from companies across the UK with initial contracts worth around 16 million.

Quentin Davies, minister for defence equipment and support, said: "The Osprey body armour that we issue to all troops on operations provides excellent personal protection.

"However, we can never be complacent and the new Osprey Assault body armour and Mark 7 helmet offer an improvement in fit and feel.

"The contracts demonstrate that we're listening to what our troops need by continuously upgrading their equipment."

&#149 The first Armed Forces Day takes place tomorrow and will be marked by a range of community activities throughout the UK.