For the first time, the Dutch Ministry of Defense will purchase a large number of flak jackets especially for women. This involves 1,530 units – the Ministry of Defense has an option on a further 7,000 units. They will be ordered from TYR Tactical, as this manufacturer can cover the demand at short notice. The first vests are expected to arrive in the summer.
The vests (TYR Tactical Female Enhanced EPIC Integrated Carrier) have already been used by the special forces in recent years. There, the flak jackets made a positive impression on the female soldiers, so that the Ministry of Defence now wants to use them throughout the entire organization.
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One major difference between these special vests is the increased adjustment options they offer. This should allow the vests to be better adapted to the female upper body. The shape of the soft ballistic panels also makes them more comfortable to wear than the previous version. The vest is also slightly lighter.
Further research
Of the protective vests, 1,500 are intended for use on missions, for example. The remaining 30 are intended for research. The aim is to find out how the vests, which are suitable for women, can be integrated into existing equipment. The Clothing and Personal Equipment Company within the Ministry of Defense is responsible for this. This company is also responsible for the administration, measurement, provision and maintenance of the vests.
