KBS Strelok

KBS Strelok
Ivan Savin from VoenObzor wearing KBS Strelok armor
Type	Ballistic vest system
Place of origin	Russian Federation
Service history
In service	2023-present
Used by	Russian Armed Forces
Wars	Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Production history
Designer	Triada-TKO (part of Kalashnikov concern)
No. produced	25000+
Specifications
Weight	12.2 kg (in Corset Plus configuration)

“Strelok” is a set of combat equipment (KBS, Komplekt Boyevogo Snaryazheniya), developed by the Triada-TKO company (part of the Kalashnikov Concern) for delivery to the troops of the Russian Armed Forces. The kit consists of a ballistic vest with a weight distribution system, additional protective modules, a set of pouches, as well as a backpack and a transport bag.^[1]

History

The kit was first presented at the Army 2023 exhibition.^[2] Kalashnikov Concern started deliveries of KBS Strelok to the Army of Russian Federation in early December of 2023,^[3] with a goal of delivering 25 000 sets by the end of the year.^[1][4] On 11th of January Kalasnikov reported that all 25 000 sets of equipment were delivered to the troops.^[5][2]

Description

KBS Strelok consists of several elements, including:

• Modular rig system (MRS) (Модульная разгрузочная система, МРС) consisting of a bulletproof vest in the “Corset Plus” configuration. It consists of a front and rear main parts connected at the shoulders and sides; armor pockets on the sides provide for the installation of additional armor plates. The body armor is connected to a belt, which helps redistribute the load from the shoulders. When equipped with GOST class 5 armor plates, the total weight is 12.2 kg.^[6][7]
• Additional protective modules, including protection for the shoulders, upper arms, groin, neck, thighs, and anti-splinter briefs.^[7][8] They provide anti-fragmentation protection according to class Br1 or C2.^[6]
• A set of pouches consisting of: 4 universal pouches for 2 rifle magazines, 1 pouch for a pistol magazine, 2 pouches for grenades, 1 pouch for a radio station, a medical pouch with a pouch for a tourniquet, as well as many utilitarian pouches.^[7]
• Backpack model T30.^[7]
• Bag for carrying.^[7]

The GOST class 5 rated armor plates that come with the vest are made by Shchelkovo Silk Weaving Factory,^[8] while the anti-fragmentation protection is reportedly produced by NII Stali.^[9]

References