Russia Deploys Obereg-S Sapper Body Armor in Occupied Ukrainian Regions

A humanitarian demining group in the currently occupied regions of Ukraine—specifically the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions—will begin using the new Obereg-S sapper body armors.

According to Rostec, its subsidiary Tula Oktava plant has delivered the first batch of Obereg-S sapper body armor to a humanitarian demining group. This specialized equipment is intended for use in the "liberated territories" of the LPR, DPR, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions, where numerous mines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers.

The Obereg-S body armor, designed with the unique needs of explosives technicians in mind, offers an advancement over traditional sapper gear. It is lightweight, mobile, and provides extensive protection against shrapnel. Unlike the standard "Amulets" family, which primarily protects against small arms fire, the Obereg-S features an expanded protection area specifically tailored for demining operations.

With a weight of just under 5 kg, the Obereg-S is lighter than standard sapper armor, which can weigh nearly twice as much. This reduction in weight is achieved by replacing ceramic armor plates with ballistic packages rated at protection classes C2 and Br1+. These packages can withstand pistol bullets, shrapnel, and the most common types of modern anti-personnel mines.

A standout feature of the Obereg-S is its adjustable collar, which ensures no gaps form when worn with a helmet and visor, protecting the neck and face from fragments. Additionally, the armor includes protection for the groin and inner thighs, and its design allows sappers to operate effectively from one knee.

“Our Obereg-S has passed all necessary tests, and we have now delivered a batch to the engineering group conducting humanitarian demining in new regions of Russia. The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the low weight and convenience of the armor,” stated Pavel Pavlenko, General Director of Oktava. “The Obereg-S was created in response to requests from humanitarian demining specialists who typically operate in areas with a low risk of fire contact, thus not requiring heavy protection. We enhanced the design to increase both the protection area and durability.”

The Obereg-S is equipped with traditional front and back pockets for protective elements, adjustable straps and fasteners, and a support belt to optimize spinal load. It also includes a half-stretcher system, facilitating evacuation procedures in case of injury.