Makes sense. Both models were released over a decade ago during which the Chinese domestic optics sector was still in its initial stages of development. I guess those were probably the best options for the mid-2010s PLA to choose from back then, though I don't remember seeing them in older pictures of the PLA (mostly used Trijicons and EOTechs by memory).
Infantry Combat Equipment (non-firearm): Vests, Body Armor, NVGs, etc.
- Thread starter by78
- Start date
Kestrel IPC, relatively new PC seen in use with various PLA/PAP TZ units over the past year. Notably in the big August military wide shooting competition.
Feedback was mixed, some flaws with the cummerbund design and other details, and an improved variant has already appeared.
The one seen in use by airborne seems to be a non-lasercut version of the older variant.
Feedback was mixed, some flaws with the cummerbund design and other details, and an improved variant has already appeared.
The one seen in use by airborne seems to be a non-lasercut version of the older variant.
Last edited:
by78
General
I don't recall seeing this particular model of plate carriers before. The soldiers are paratroopers of the PLAAF Airborne.
It's a plate carrier from Kestrel Defense.
I heard this kind of helmets (with NVG mounts and pic rails) are getting cancelled, and only the plain variant (with bolted chinstrap and liner) will be procured in the future.
Is this true or is it just baseless rumours?
It's just changing constantly I guess because of constant update feeds from Russia about what matters or not.
There's plenty of optimisation research being done on soldiers individual kit. Every bit you add is taking the soldier's energy/attention in some way, so you want to ensure what you're adding is as high usefulness as possible. This isn't the same as in logistics or salvo calculations where bigger number = better.
Then in that case they wouldn't downgrade to the old helmet. They'd add: Thermal fusion night vision (A must have in the modern battlefield), Proper comms, like radios, earpro, proper optics on every weapon, and networked communication. Those are the most valuable pieces of infantry equipment currently, and to get rid of these capabilities for 2kg less weight and a worse helmet is just illogical.
Consensus from the Ukraine war is that night vision AND thermal is vital to survival.
I don't see why the new helmet shouldn't be procured, it allows for these capabilities, offers better protection at no heavier weight. The only reason I can think of, is that there is a new infantry equipment program and the current one isn't good enough, that the nvg mount wasn't properly designed, so they stopped procurement and are waiting for a better helmet from the next program. In all other cases, it just doesn't make sense to continue to procure obsolete equipment.