Core Translation: PLA's New Tactical Load-Carrying Vest Unveiled, Adopted by Multiple Units

The Starry Sky Camouflage made its debut at the military parade on October 1, 2019. At that time, the Chinese People's Liberation Army displayed five sets of camouflage uniforms in different colors, all designed for distinct combat environments. Based on the Type 07 Camouflage Uniform, it features small, complex spots similar to a "starry sky" printed over the base pattern, hence the name "Starry Sky Camouflage". This camouflage system includes five types of combat uniforms: Desert Camouflage, Arid Camouflage, Jungle Camouflage, Woodland Camouflage, and Urban Camouflage.

Starting from 2020, the "Starry Sky Camouflage" has been progressively fielded in large scales by military units. Compared with the old-style camouflage uniforms, the new Starry Sky Camouflage boasts significantly enhanced concealment. Its camouflage patches, which are distributed, varied, extremely complex and intricate, deliver excellent performance in terms of camouflage effectiveness.

Though the full-scale issuance of the Starry Sky Camouflage has not yet been rolled out at this stage, some military units have already started switching to Starry Sky Camouflage load-carrying equipment. The Starry Sky Camouflage tactical vest shown in the picture below is one such piece of equipment adopted by these units.

Starry Sky Camouflage Tactical Vest

Type 16 Tactical Load-Carrying Equipment Set, featuring Starry Sky Camouflage. Constructed with 1000D polyester filament fabric and a PU waterproof coating, it adopts a combined structure of vest + backpack + waist belt. The vest has a quick-release front and back panel design, while its modular structure allows users to carry equipment such as magazines, grenades, and gas masks according to different mission requirements. Ballistic protection can be achieved by inserting bulletproof plates, and the quick-release cord on the chest enables the bulletproof vest to be separated from the wearer in one second in emergencies.

Key Features

1.Modular structure: The entire combined system is lightweight and compact, ensuring protective capability without affecting tactical movements, and effectively enhancing individual combat effectiveness on the battlefield.

2.Quick-release structure: Pulling the cord separates the front and back panels as a whole, enabling quick detachment in 8 seconds.

3.Webbing structure on the front: Allows installation of modular accessory pouches.

4.Internal space for hard bulletproof plates: Lined with scratch-resistant and breathable mesh material, ensuring soft and comfortable wear, reducing pressure, improving breathability, and providing a certain buffering capacity.

5.Hidden stretch rescue handle on the back: Hook-and-loop fasteners for identification labels on both front and back.

6.Accessory pouches made to active service equipment specifications: The walkie-talkie pouch is adjustable to fit multiple models and types of walkie-talkies.

7.Fully adjustable overall design: Suitable for wearers of different heights.

8.Three built-in rifle magazine pouches: Can hold three Type 95 rifle magazines, secured with webbing and elastic cords.

9.Two double grenade pouches: For carrying four grenades, fixed with webbing and closed with snap buttons.

10.Magazine recovery pouch: Fixed with webbing, foldable, designed for holding empty magazines.

11.Gas mask pouch: Fixed with webbing, opened and closed with hook-and-loop fasteners and buckles, used for carrying gas masks.

12.Walkie-talkie pouch: Fixed with webbing, opened and closed with hook-and-loop fasteners and buckles, adjustable.

13.Utility pouch: Fixed with webbing, opened and closed with zippers and buckles, with internal elastic straps for fixation, used for carrying medical supplies and equipment, and can be quickly detached for access.

14.One hydration bladder pouch: 2-liter capacity.

15.Wide-body waist belt: Convenient for carrying different combat supplies such as pistols, grenades, smoke grenades, and pistol magazines, and can be used independently when necessary.

16.Backpack with quick-release shoulder straps: Two-layer design, compatible with the tactical vest for combined use.