In the run up to Milipol Paris 2025 next week, Israeli tactical protection developer SOURCE Tactical Gear has announced a major win, having been awarded the Italian Carabinieri tender for ballistic vets for female troopers.
Treating the win as a milestone in its history of fielding gender-specific protection across multiple European law enforcement and defence forces, the company points to the intensive R&D effort that has led to the equipment’s introduction, much of which has been conducted in close collaboration with “dozens of active-duty female officers”. Offering full ballistic coverage coupled to superior ergonomics and comfort, the result is optimum protection, ventilation and provides confidence in performance to the wearer. “The Carabinieri’s large-scale adoption underscores the growing European shift toward gender-specific protection solutions,” the company said in an 11 November release.
At the same time, SOURCE has introduced new ACS rapid-access pouches and ACCS Combat Clothing, designed to enhance safety, mobility and operational performance in demanding environments. Delivering one-hand, single action access for grenades, flash-bangs and weapon magazines, the patent-protected ACS pouches have also been developed with hands-on input from users and are tested to MIL-STD-810G.
The ACCS Combat Clothing line represents SOURCE’s top innovation in protective textiles. The system integrates ballistic protection zones directly into the garment’s fabric, including the neck area, to shield users from low-velocity fragmentation while maintaining full flexibility. These advanced uniforms combine flame resistance, durability and moisture control with a lightweight, ergonomic fit, delivering both comfort and combat-grade protection. Together with external armor, it forms a complete ballistic defence solution ideal for military environments. ACCS uniforms are fielded by defence forces, including the Israel Defense Forces.
DA Comment
The issue of gender-specific tactical gear is more than a simple nod in the direction of political correctness. Equipment as currently issued most often does not take into account the form or size of female soldiers or law enforcement officers. That factor alone impairs performance, heightens risk and thereby degrades operational efficiency – all of which could easily be more expensive (and more difficult to afford) than continuing current policy. The issue has therefore become a serious priority for number of leading military authorities in Europe and beyond.
Image courtesy SOURCE Tactical Gear
