Active exoskeleton could play role in Russian soldier modernisation
Development of a powered soldier exoskeleton proceeds despite the absence of official requirements.
Russian industry is developing an active exoskeleton for the Sotnik soldier modernisation programme, even though the government is yet to issue specific requirements.
An active exoskeleton includes power sources, servomotors, electronics or sensors.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov confirmed on 7 December that ‘proactive’ work is underway on the exoskeleton, although the Russian MoD ‘has not yet approved the official requirements’.
With an ‘active exoskeleton’, he added, a soldier can carry up to 60kg of extra equipment while reducing fatigue from running and walking by 15%.
In addition, musculoskeletal strain on the soldier will be halved and ‘the accuracy of firing from automatic weapons is increased to 20%’, although Chemezov declined to go into further detail.
Rostec previously developed the family of passive (unpowered) military exoskeletons (pictured). Examples include the EO-1, which was tested under combat conditions in Syria.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation]()
Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has outlined an ambitious plan to reform, reshape and redirect the US Army in an overhaul which would see a reduction in formations and less manned attack helicopters.
-
![Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS]()
Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS
Estonia has taken delivery of six Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) weapons. The delivery comes only a month after Australia received its first system and the company outlined plans to improve missiles fired from the system.
-
![Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer]()
Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer
Thales will modernise the Royal Netherlands Army’s TACTIS simulation system over eight years with enhanced synthetic environments, new simulators for the CV9035NL, Boxer and Leopard 2 tanks.
-
![Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence]()
Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence
Hanwha will develop the multi-function radar of the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD), work which is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2028.
-
![Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system]()
Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system
Pulsar-L has already entered service and weighs about 12kg with range of 5km. It was only in May last year that the company disclosed that earlier versions were already in service.
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
