Military kit still failing women, troops say
Summary
Women in the UK armed forces still receive military equipment that does not fit properly, despite a 2021 report recommending better gear by 2022. The Ministry of Defence has made some improvements, including a new body armour design, but female troops report ongoing issues with fit and safety. A new curved body armour plate designed for women is being supplied to Ukrainian forces but is not yet available to UK servicewomen.Key Facts
- The 2021 Atherton report warned that ill-fitting military kit put women at greater risk of harm.
- The UK Ministry of Defence promised safer, better-fitting equipment for women by the end of 2022.
- Female soldiers report that body armour still does not fit breasts or curves properly and smaller sizes are often unavailable.
- The Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest was introduced in 2022 with adjustable straps and smaller plates, but some women still find it uncomfortable or unsafe.
- The Ministry of Defence spent £4.5 billion on support to Ukraine in 2023.
- The UK supplied 2,000 sets of new curved body armour plates designed for women to the Ukrainian military.
- These curved plates have been tested extensively and provide better protection compared to flat plates designed for men.
- The new curved plates are not currently used by UK servicewomen.
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