MOSCOW, March 11. /TASS/. Russia’s Ground Forces and the Navy’s coastal brigades are practically fully equipped with the Ratnik combat gear, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting of the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Defense Committee on Monday.

"Almost all Ground Forces units, as well as the Navy’s motorized rifle brigades and marine brigades - 35 units in total - have been provided with the Ratnik-2 modern combat gear," Shoigu said.

The serial deliveries of the second generation "soldier of the future" Ratnik gear to the Russian Armed Forces began in 2017. It includes modern small arms, efficient protection package, reconnaissance and communication means, and is designed to operate in various weather conditions on a 24-hour basis.

Research is currently underway to create the third generation (Ratnik-3) combat gear, which will include a helmet with an integrated control system, a combat exoskeleton, anti-mine shoes and some other elements.