Threats and protection in the modern battlefield

In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, particularly highlighted by the recent events in Ukraine, the alarming rise in blast injuries has led to an increase in life-saving amputations. These necessary yet drastic measures often mark the end of a soldier’s active duty, depleting valuable military resources. The NFM Groups latest edition to the GARM™ clothing system is the protective layer of Ballistic Underwear, could this be the solution to keep soldiers safer and operational for longer on the battlefield?

The situation in Ukraine provides us with a window into the landscape of future warfare. The battlefield has undergone significant changes in recent years due to technological advancements, shifts in tactics and strategies, urbanisation and asymmetric warfare with guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks. These are just some of the factors contributing to the complex battel space, creating a challenging and unpredictable landscape.

The increasing use of explosive weapons with wide area effects, heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles, and air strikes, is the most frequently reported cause of injuries and death of the Ukrainian war, both for civilians and operators. Statistics shared by Ukrainian physicians’ reports that more than 70 percent of all Ukrainian combat casualties are due to artillery and rocket barrages from Russian forces*.

There is no golden hour in the war in Ukraine. Airborne medical evacuation is not possible, and it often takes several hours to transport a wounded soldier to a treatment facility.

Primary blast injuries from use of explosive weapons, is a result of the blast wave moving through the body, causing damage on lungs, auditory organs, eyes, brain, and belly.

Secondary blast injuries are caused by fragments that is displaced by the blast wind of the explosion. These a frequent reason of mortality in victims of an explosion. By the forces of an explosion, tiny fragments could be projected many times faster than a bullet, causing an evidently small wound to hide a complex injury underneath.

Flying debris, bomb fragments and fragments of glass, ceramics and wood can penetrate the skin and muscle, potentially damaging tissue, and internal organs.

These fragments may not penetrate deeply, but can still cause severe injuries, surgery, amputation, and death. Even with hard ballistic protection, the exposed parts of the victims’ bodies are at risk to be hit by flying fragments from an explosion.

Given these evolving threats, the need for comprehensive protection in modern warfare becomes crucial. Traditional military combat clothing may no longer be sufficient when facing advanced ballistic components.  

These munitions can strike laterally, from above, or below standard-issue armor plates, leaving military personnel vulnerable to precise and lethal attacks. The need for a full spectrum of protection, is more important than ever. Correct protective equipment enhances survival rates and extends a country’s endurance. Saving resources, hospital capacity, and more, through proper protection.

As a leading supplier of combat protection and military clothing for the modern soldier, NFM is always working on new innovations and solutions to be able to offer the best protection for military and law enforcement.

The GARM™ Ballistic Underwear is an advanced protective product for soldiers’ operation on the modern battlefield. Product developer Eva Goral from Hexonia has played a leading role in the development of the ballistic underwear:

“NFM GARM™ Ballistic Underwear provides soldiers with proven protection against secondary blast injuries, including those caused by IED: debris and fragments that are propelled by the explosion and thrown at the soldier with high force can be stopped by the underwear, preventing them from penetrating the skin and causing serious injury.”

Unlike traditionally ballistic underwear, this underwear is comfortable and flexible, provides natural comfort without compromising on functionality and safety.

“The extraordinary thing about our ballistic underwear is that it is not obviously recognizable as such. It is incredibly soft, fits close to the body and is very comfortable to wear on the skin. You don’t expect such a comfortable piece of clothing to save lives”, says Eva Goral.

The combination of the silk fabric and Hexonia’s unique knitting technology, provides it with high ballistic retention performance, fragmentation protection and blast protection resistance due to optimal fit and overlap.