MOD suspends use of body armour amid concern over cracks in ceramic plates

A major recall has been ordered by Ministry of Defence officials after scans reveal cracks in the older body armour plates still worn by British troops.

The use of the ceramic body armour plates used by military personnel has now been suspended and 120,000 pieces have been recalled for inspection amid the safety concern.

In a letter to the heads of all the services, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said defence ministers "will not tolerate this risk".

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It has been reported that microscopic cracks were picked up in around one in 10 of the body armour plates which are meant to protect the wearer from small arms fire and shrapnel.

Officials say the issues were highlighted in the plates during regular testing and use of the body-worn armour has been suspended in all but unavoidable circumstances.

The much older, smaller, and lighter ECBA or enhanced combat body armour plates were due to be replaced by 2023 but this was delayed by four years until 2027.

Following the discovery, Mr Pollard has said the previous extension which was approved for ECBA replacement in 2027 will now be brought forward.

The plates have been in use for many years and the ECBA was mainly used up until the Gulf War in 2003, where they were then largely replaced by the much heavier, but better-protected armour plates given to troops fighting in close combat roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ECBA vests contain a kevlar filler to help protect troops from shrapnel and they also contain two small ceramic plates – one front and one back – to protect the heart.

Newer body armours such as Osprey and Virtus contain much larger plates, which cover the whole torso front and back.

According to the British Army, the latest Virtus system offers the "same protection as Osprey body armour but is significantly lighter, moves with the body more easily and produces a slimmer profile."

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "This Government will not accept compromises when it comes to the safety of our people.

"Regular testing has identified an issue with some enhanced combat body armour (ECBA).

"As a precaution, its use has been suspended in all but unavoidable circumstances. Every effort is being made to expedite the replacement and testing of these plates.

"The vast majority of our personnel will be unaffected by this safety notice and thousands of personnel already have alternative, higher-protection plates in their possession."