Ukrainian Scientists Created a Variety of Hemp to Make Bulletproof Vests

Ukrainian scientists at the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine (NAAS) have discovered a new variety of the versatile “Sofia” seed hemp that can be used to make bulletproof vests for the military. The new fibers are in many ways superior to Kevlar, which is traditionally used in bulletproof vests. The new hemp variety will also be used to create special underwear.

Specialists at the Ukrainian National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) have bred and demonstrated a new variety of the versatile “Sofia” seed hemp that can be used to make bulletproof vests for the military. This is stated on the academy’s website.

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Hemp Is Superior to Kevlar

The cultivation of the new variety offers opportunities for developing various sectors of the Ukrainian economy, including the defense industry, which is particularly important in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the portal of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine reported on Friday.

“In no way are hemp fibers inferior to synthetic Kevlar, from which bulletproof vests are usually made. On the contrary, hemp panels can withstand anti-tank bullets while being lighter than Kevlar,” the researchers said.

Use of Hemp Fibers in the Military

Hemp fibers are the most durable fibers in the world and can be easily woven into lightweight bulletproof vests, helmets, and protective clothing. Hemp fiber fabric is more robust and lighter than Kevlar yet is water and fire-resistant.

Hemp is highly durable yet lightweight, making it an excellent fiber for making materials that can withstand the elements. As a result, using hemp materials is much more suitable for protecting soldiers than other materials.

NAAN explained that hemp is used as a fabric for sewing natural military clothing, underwear, ropes, and parachutes and can also be used to construct and insulate buildings.

Variety “Sofia” Presented at Hemp Fest in Ukraine

A new variety of hemp was presented at the Hemp Fest in the Sumy region. Eighty leading scientists, farmers, business people, and hemp industry experts from ten regions of Ukraine attended the festival.

The event addressed, among other issues, legislative regulation of industrial hemp and plant processing to meet the needs of the Ukrainian economy, especially those of defense.

Sofia Could Be Used in Underwear

As Ukrainian scientists point out, Sofia hemp also has the potential to produce special underwear for the military. This underwear is possible because a natural, breathable fabric can be created from hemp fibers. 

The material has already passed tests in extreme conditions, where there were no hygiene products. In addition, the plants are likely to be used for constructing and insulating buildings erected during the country’s reconstruction.

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(Featured image by Priscila Dramisino via Pexels)

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First published by Fakty Konopne, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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