Why Does Kazakhstan’s National Guard Urgently Need 2,000 New Bulletproof Vests?

Kazakhstan’s National Guard plans to purchase 2,168 modern bulletproof vests worth 1.65 billion tenge, according to technical specifications published on the public procurement portal, Orda.kz reports.

The average cost of one set is about 764,000 tenge. According to the documents, these are not standard bulletproof vests but full-fledged modular armor systems with an expanded level of protection.

The armored system must comply with GOST standards and provide Br.4 class protection. Such armor plates are designed to withstand automatic and rifle ammunition. They must also retain their protective properties at temperatures from -40 C to +40 C and after contact with water.

The set includes front and rear armor plates, side protection, a neck guard, a groin apron, shoulder elements, and shields for the elbows, knees, shins, and hips. It also includes a combat belt, an apron module, and a set of detachable ammunition pouches.

The documents pay particular attention to ergonomics. The bulletproof vests must be equipped with climate shock absorbers, which reduce the impact of a bullet hitting the armor plate while also allowing ventilation between the armor and the soldier’s body.

Along with the armor systems, the National Guard will receive pouches for rifle and pistol magazines, a first-aid kit, a radio case, a special equipment holder, tactical gloves, and a bag for carrying the equipment.

The procurement procedure ended in early June. Five potential suppliers from Almaty, Astana, Kostanay, and Almaty region submitted applications. Three were rejected for failing to meet the requirements.

Several comments were also submitted regarding the draft tender documentation. A winner was eventually selected, but the runner-up appears to have filed a complaint. The procurement is now under appeal.

Original Author: Alexander Smolin

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