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Russian scientists claim to have created a ‘Superman suit’ that lets soldiers walk through explosions and searing fire unscathed.
Made of a heat-resistant ‘aramid’ material that can withstand 30 seconds of direct contact from flames, the suit could give Russian soldiers a huge advantage in battlefields of the future.

The heat-proof suit is still in the testing phase and is expected to be ready for use by 2020, when it may also be available for purchase by civilians.

Footage released shows a man wearing the suit at an unspecified test facility. He appears to walk through flames and stands right next to an explosion.

Wearers are protected from the sudden heat of explosions such as grenades and mines, although the shock wave from an explosion could still harm them, scientists claim.

The ‘Superman suit’ is part of Ratnik, Russia’s future infantry combat system.

The programme develops combat gear which aims to create the next generation of body armour on the battlefield.

Ratnik suits already have body armour, thermal and night vision monoculars and other high-tech gear.

They are made of of strong synthetic aramid fibres that are commonly used on ships and planes.

The programme also focuses on making sure the soldier is in touch with comrades via built-in radios.

Russia says Ratnik suits were used in combat in 2016 though no details were given.

Another feature of the system is a built-in GPS chip, showing commanders where each soldier is at any given time.

The unveiling of the suit comes after Russia staged extensive military training exercises on both sea and land in what was thought to be a show of strength by President Vladimir Putin.