A new armoured combat suit developed by Ukraine’s Major Oleh Shyriaiev is designed to protect soldiers from the growing threat of drone-dropped explosives and shrapnel. The lightweight overalls, made from Kevlar and other impact-absorbing materials, offer full-body coverage and reinforced protection in key areas, The Telegraph reports.

The move to integrate armour into clothing reflects the static nature of the war in Ukraine. Troops often remain in fixed positions for extended periods, where drone and artillery attacks pose a far greater risk than small arms fire.

“The idea of these armoured overalls was my initiative and is something that hasn’t existed before,” said Shyriaiev, recently awarded the title Hero of Ukraine, the country’s highest honour.

Built for shrapnel, not bullets

The suit uses Kevlar, a heat-resistant synthetic fibre originally developed to replace steel in racing tyres, along with other materials that can absorb explosive impact. While Kevlar is less effective than ceramic plates against bullets, it is much lighter and offers strong protection against shrapnel, now the main battlefield threat.

“When a drone drops a grenade or explosive device, there is shrapnel and ballistic powder flying around, which have different starting velocities and weight,” Shyriaiev said.

Reinforced elbows, knees, and ankles

The suit includes extra protection at vulnerable joints, such as the elbows, knees, and ankles—areas commonly injured during ground movement or shelling. It is designed to be worn alongside standard body armour and helmets, extending protective coverage without severely compromising mobility.

Shyriaiev’s team is also exploring the development of blast-resistant insoles for military boots, to guard against foot injuries from ground-level explosions.

Tech can’t replace infantry

Although drones have transformed modern warfare, Shyriaiev emphasized that human soldiers remain essential to combat operations.

“Without infantry, war is impossible,” he said. “There is no way a drone can replace a soldier. A soldier guides a drone, makes decisions, opens fire and observes with a human eye.”