French army tests bullet-stopping Ronin helmet in training battles

The French Army's research unit, the Combat Laboratory, is testing the Ronin ballistic helmet from Japanese company Devtac. The test is being conducted to assess its effectiveness in trench warfare, which is relevant in the context of the war in Ukraine, where trench warfare and close contact in forested areas have become commonplace.

Here's What We Know

The Ronin was first introduced in 2017, but has mostly attracted the attention of special forces, gun enthusiasts and filmmakers due to its futuristic design. The helmet is made of Kevlar and has a certified NIJ Level IIIA protection level, which means it can stop .44 Magnum and 9mm (FMJ) pistol bullets. The helmet's eyepieces have an anti-fog system and can withstand pellet fire.

Ronin. Illustration: Devtac

Face protection can be useful in modern combat, as not only bullets but also fragments pose a danger. The full-face helmet with side panels weighs 6-7 kg, depending on the size. Its two-piece design allows for proper distribution of kinetic energy upon impact.

The helmet is also equipped with a forced ventilation system, mounts for lights, night vision devices and displays for shooting through smart sights. However, there are also disadvantages: a limited field of view, difficulty in hearing the situation and reduced access to fresh air.

Previously, similar experiments were carried out in the United States in the late 2010s, but they did not lead to the mass production of such helmets. The French army is likely to evaluate Ronin to develop solutions for possible upgrades to the new F3+ helmet.

Source: Defence Expres