Armour Plates available from MKU and other suppliers can normally be classified as either ‘Stand-alone’ or ‘Vest Dependant’

“Stand-alone” plates are designed to stop ballistic threats using the plate alone. No ballistic vest is required for this plate as all the energy and fragments are stopped in the plate. These plates are usually preferred for tactical
operations or anti-terrorist work where the ammunition threat is unknown, or if a higher safety margin for the user is required.

“Vest Dependant” plates are designed to stop the specified threat within the vest/plate. Some fragments may penetrate the plate, but are of much reduced energy which can be easily stopped by the ballistic vest worn
underneath. “Vest dependant” plates are lighter, more comfortable, and less bulky than stand-alone plates.

"Vest Dependant-High Performance" plates are designed to stop the specified threat in the plate but in conjunction with the vest.