The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI) is upgrading the Defence's TYR protective equipment to version M/26. The equipment will feature a thinner soft armour while maintaining the same level of protection and will also be issued to conscripts in the future.

– We closely follow technological developments. We are dealing with a supplier that constantly advances its product. This now benefits the Danish soldiers, says Henrik, chief sergeant and responsible for protective equipment at FMI's land military division.

According to a press release from FMI, the agency is now switching to the latest edition of the plate carrier platform TYR Tactical (MALE and FEMALE PICO-MVW). The system has been used by the Danish Defence since 2012 under the designation M/12. The phased introduction of the upgraded version will occur as new materiel is delivered.

The most significant technical difference in M/26 is the soft armour. Through an updated fibre type, the protective panels can be compressed more during manufacturing. This results in both the plate carrier and combat belt becoming thinner and lighter, a development that also includes the ballistic protection plates.

– The soft armour is significantly thinner but provides the same high level of protection, says Henrik.

The upgrade means that conscripts undergoing the new eleven-month training will now receive equipment that matches the protection level of the standing units. All TYR systems ordered and delivered from this year onwards will be equipped with the new standard.