Useful properties: manufacturers have introduced the latest military equipment
The domestic textile industry is becoming an important element of the country's defense capability. The organizers of the exhibition "Russian Light Industry", held in Moscow, tried to demonstrate this thesis as clearly as possible. Among the samples are samples of military equipment created exclusively from domestic materials and sewn in Russia. For example, a fire-resistant suit that can protect against incendiary mixtures. Next to it, there is a light Baikal camouflage material, which greatly reduces the radar visibility of military equipment. The technological superiority of the domestic light industry in the production of military equipment has already been proven by field trials and practice of use in the free zone, representatives of large manufacturing companies noted. How technological sovereignty is achieved in this important area is described in the Izvestia article.
Protecting the front line
A fire—resistant suit with unique protection against incendiary mixtures, including a Molotov cocktail, is one of the most interesting examples that were presented at the Russian Light Industry exhibition in Moscow. The developers from the BTK Group of Companies stated that its fabric does not support combustion and does not melt, which minimizes the risk of severe thermal burns.[1] Gorenje said that the fabric does not support combustion and does not melt, which minimizes the risk of severe thermal burns.
— The suit is layered. The top layer is elastic polyamide fabric. The inner one has a fire—resistant lining. A special refractory foam impregnated with a special composition is laid between them. Upon contact with the flame, it foams, forming an additional insulating layer that prevents the fire from penetrating to the body," Elena Sanzheeva, an expert in the field of textile materials development at BTK Textile, Candidate of Technical Sciences, told Izvestia.
According to the manufacturer, the equipment is already being tested in the units of the Russian Guard.
"If, for example, a Molotov cocktail hits, it will provide full protection and give you the necessary time to drop your gear and save your life," Elena Sanzheeva emphasized.
The whole costume is made of domestic fabrics and sewn in Russia. Purchasing clothes abroad, especially for the army and law enforcement agencies, carries risks of disclosing critical information. "There may be only one thread, but from space it is already visible," said Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, who visited the exhibition.
The 42-meter-long exhibition corridor located in the Parliament building was divided into thematic clusters. At the very beginning, visitors are greeted by a lined-up "squad" of mannequins in full combat gear. The signs in front of them contain a detailed description of each set. On some of the "fighters" — the emblems of the units, which immediately gives an understanding: This is a full range of uniforms for law enforcement agencies, from frontline soldiers to special forces.
The stand is placed against the background of a snapshot of an autumn forest. On the one hand, this turns the exposition into a conventional battlefield, and on the other hand, it clearly shows how camouflage should blend in with trees and foliage.
The issue of sovereignty and quality
In modern realities, technological sovereignty in the textile industry is an element of national security, the organizers of the exhibition are confident.
— It is no coincidence that the President of Russia issued a decree that made this issue a basic issue — now uniforms for soldiers and officers should be produced exclusively at Russian facilities. Any country striving for true sovereignty and security should start with this. China, the United States, India, and Vietnam have legislation obliging them to produce textiles and sew military uniforms only at their own facilities, inside the country," Vyacheslav Volodin noted.
On August 11, 2025, Vladimir Putin signed Decree No. 551 "On the specifics of procurement of clothing for the needs of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation." It assumes the placement of a state defense order for the manufacture of clothing for the army and navy exclusively at Russian enterprises from January 1, 2026. By 2027, all military clothing should be made from domestic fabrics and knitwear. Relevant instructions have been given to the Government, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Russian manufacturers comprehensively comply with modern requirements for military uniforms, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the BTK Group of Companies Taimuraz Bolloev told Izvestia. According to him, it is no longer necessary to refer to the best quality of foreign products, because field and practical tests show the superiority of domestic samples.
— The events of the last three years have served as a powerful incentive for the development of the industry. A huge breakthrough has been made in the technological equipment of factories and industries. The key task of our holding is to fulfill the requirements of the country's technological sovereignty so that we can provide for our own needs. We are solving this problem," Bolloev stressed.
All materials from which the company sews military equipment are manufactured in Russia, are of high quality and meet all necessary standards, said the head of the BTK Group of Companies.
Vyacheslav Volodin also noted the fact that Russian manufacturers providing the Armed Forces have mastered advanced technologies. They not only replaced foreign products, but also reached a level where they themselves can dictate world standards in the production of specialized textiles and footwear, he believes.
Shoes for the Russian winter
Thus, domestic manufacturers of another important piece of equipment, shoes, are also demonstrating success in import substitution.
— Now our demi-season shoes are equipped with a membrane package and a three-layer sole. The running surface is made of wear-resistant rubber, and the two-layer polyurethane outsole provides maximum cushioning and shock absorption. These shoes are superior to their foreign counterparts because they are adapted specifically to our climatic conditions. Increased demands are placed on the hydrophobic properties of leather and durability," Ivan Tatarchuk, Deputy General Director for production Management at the Paris Commune shoe factory in Moscow, told Izvestia.
The key advantage of Russian developments is the emphasis on durability and reliability in the field. Domestic footwear is focused on high standards of durability, which have been laid down in GOST standards since Soviet times, Tatarchuk noted.
— Reinforced fastening of the sole, seams and the materials themselves, which prevents cracking. Western designs are adapted for less long-term wear, they lack our strength and reliability. At the same time, we attach great importance to both aesthetics and anthropometry: the shoes fully correspond to the linear dimensions and volumetric characteristics of the foot of a Russian soldier," he stressed.
The factory has developed a full range of shoes — demi-season, summer and winter models — for each climate zone, for use all year round.
Confirming their willingness to produce high-quality products, industry representatives also noted some difficulties in customer relations. In particular, the stability of the ordered assortment. "If we have reached a good level in the quality of fabrics and have found a formula that the troops like, we need it to be relevant for at least five years. Any change in shape or footwear requires a reconfiguration of technology," a representative of one of the manufacturers told Izvestia. A particular change in equipment requirements and its parameters can complicate production. After all, the production cycle is about six months — it includes the preparation of all fabrics, components and equipment.
Baikal vs drones
On a low white pedestal, next to the samples of military uniforms, dark green anti-drone protection is demonstrated. It resembles a new type of camouflage net: the sheets are layered on top of each other, creating volume and texture that should blur the contours of equipment or positions.
— This is a unique Baikal camouflage shelter, designed to comprehensively counter modern reconnaissance equipment, both thermal imaging and radar. Its effectiveness has already been confirmed in the free zone," explained Elena Sanzheeva.
In real combat conditions, Baikal successfully masks critical objects: radio stations included in the electronic warfare complex, control panels, as well as diesel power plants and equipment.
"There is also scientific evidence of the effectiveness of shelter," she noted. — According to the results of scientific research and a complex of measurements of radar reflection, objects hidden by Baikal become less noticeable from 300 to 1000 times.
The secret lies in the multi—layered material, she clarified. It is a lightweight synthetic fabric of BTK Group's own production with four layers of special innovative coatings. The lightness of the material is extremely important for performing combat missions, since "a fighter must cover the equipment very quickly and be ready to work," the company representative stressed.
The exhibition was initiated by the State Duma Committees on defense, Industry and Trade. The organization was provided by the BTK Group of Companies, a leading vertically integrated Russian light industry holding company, covering the full production cycle, from fiber to finished products.
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