Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to undertake research with serving female soldiers on the kit and armour provided within the last three years.

The Department’s priority is to ensure all service personnel receive appropriate and equitable levels of protection. We have initiated a Complex Geometry Body Armour project, which will include the development of an appropriate testing regime and Human Factors Integration work to ensure this capability delivers improved fit and operational effectiveness for servicewomen.

In parallel, we will continue the procurement of Tactical Ballistic Plates, which will replace the in-service OSPREY and Enhanced Combat Body Armour plates. These will be available in four sizes to provide an improved fit for a wider range of personnel and reduced weight for most users.

The Army has conducted a study of the Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) 23 trouser following its introduction, comparing the current size regime to Defence anthropometric data which has been collected since the introduction of MTP23. There has been extensive feedback from female service personnel which has been formally collated and analysed to inform the design of the next iteration of combat clothing. This clothing will be available in a dual-sizing regime of ‘straight’ and ‘contoured’ fit garments to better meet the needs of all service personnel.