Sioen Ballistics is a reputed body armor manufacturer that specifically develops protective wear for military and law enforcement. Sioen Industries, a Belgian group with focus on technical clothing and textiles, acquired Sioen Ballistics in 2017. At EnforceTac 2025, BodyArmorNews.com had the pleasure of speaking with Heikki Rytkönen, Sales Director at Sioen Ballistics, and Jan Uhlenhaut, Product Developer for Military and Law Enforcement. Our conversation with Rytkönen covered the influence of geopolitical factors on manufacturing. Jan Uhlenhaut walked us through the Force system, Sioen’s newest modular system.
Industry Effects from Russia-Ukraine
While our conversation coincidentally took place on the three year anniversary of the initial invasion, the developments within the industry as a result have been no accident. Rytkönen outlined how the past often informs the future when asked about the effects of Finland’s geographical position in regards to the Russia-Ukraine war. “Both of my grandfathers fought the Russians. It seems that I’m going to do the same, and my kids. We are better prepared than last time. It’s the geological area where we live, the 1,340 km border with Russia.”
Rytkönen pondered on whether or not this position has been advantageous. “It informs our understanding of why we produce weapons and why we produce ballistics. We know where the enemy is coming, and we need to cram up for that.”
On cooperation in the Nordics as a result, Rytkönen emphasized how group efforts are crucial to maximize the pool of knowledge. “People have their own expertise. Some have better knowledge of the local design, and some know more about the requirements. You can’t do everything by yourself.”
Rytkönen highlighted the changes in weaponry being used when we asked about the long term effects of the conflict Sioen. Additionally outlined was the necessary adaptation and development body armor manufacturers have to undergo.
I do see how much the defense budgets are growing, and how much we need to protect from the shrapnel, bullets, and drones. I do see that many units are still without any protection.
Sioen Ballistics analyses the reports, the products produced, and discusses with the men on the ground. R&D takes initiative to compare the weapons previously in use at the beginning of the conflict to those currently being manufactured. “And when peace comes,” Rytkönen says, “what kind of weapons will be used five years from now.”
The Force System: A Unique Modular System
Rytkönen then brought us over to Sioen’s main attraction, the Force System. Here Uhlenhaut, product developer, guided us through the inner workings.
“The main features of the Force system is that normally, with a modular system, you have a starting point and then you just build up from that one starting point,” Uhlenhaut explained. “The one that makes ours unique is that we have three different base configurations from which you can start, depending on the needs of the operator.”
The appeal of the Force System lies in the ability of the user to personalize it to their specific case-by-case needs. To illustrate a real life application, Uhlenhaut walked us through a scenario applicable to law enforcement. “For example with this soft ballistics vest, let’s take a police officer who wears it the whole day. He always wears soft ballistics because let’s face it, his most possible threat is a knife.” The Force System optimizes its usability by providing the option for both hard and soft ballistics usage, depending on the current threat level.
The strength of the Force System plays out when the police officer’s situation changes drastically in a short amount of time. When under immediate threat of a shooting, he can upgrade with hard ballistics easily by integrating it physically with the soft ballistics vest. “It’s a fixed vest,” Uhlenhaut says. “I don’t have two shoulder straps, I don’t have two waist belts, it’s just one system.”
The system itself boasts ease of use, as the user starts with the plate carrier and can go several routes. They scale it up easily to the same endpoint using either plates or simply as a soft carrier.
Regarding further adaptation and development of this system, Uhlenhaut spoke more about full body coverage. “The only thing that’s missing is the thigh protection, which we’re currently still in development.” Sioen Ballistics is launching this particular piece soon. The company will offer thigh coverage as part of the Force System in both soft and hard ballistics, with a protection level of V-PAM 6.
