Nordic Combat Uniform is a new, so to speak, international uniform system presented a few days ago by Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
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The aim of the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) project is to obtain a common combat uniform that meets the requirements of a future battlefield for the armed forces of these four Nordic countries. The project is part of NORDEFCO (Nordic defense cooperation).
The Nordic Combat Uniform project began in 2016 with an inquiry sent to manufacturers of combat uniforms. Then, after two bidding rounds in 2018 and 2019, four bidders were selected and asked to prepare uniform kits for extensive testing.
Field trials for European uniform configurations were carried out in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark with a total of 420 soldiers and conscripts. The uniforms were tested under various atmospheric conditions in the Scandinavian countries and, at the same time, in the jungle and in the desert environments. In late winter - early spring 2020, NCU configurations underwent two ten-day test periods in Australia, during which the uniforms were tested by a unit composed of Danish Armed Forces soldiers.
The letter of intent regarding the purchase of combat uniforms was signed by representatives of logistic and material agencies of the armed forces of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark on February 8 in Oslo. The total value of the NCU project in 2022-28 will be a maximum of € 425 million, taking into account clothing purchases in all countries. The first NCU uniforms will be delivered to the Defense Forces in 2023. The configuration of the Nordic Combat Uniform is the same in all these countries and includes clothing configurations adapted to the climatic conditions of Europe, jungle and desert areas. Each of the participating countries will use uniforms in their own camouflage. Headgear, gloves, footwear and personal protective equipment are not part of the NCU and are purchased from each member state separately.
Sources: forsvarsmakten.se, logistiikkalaitos.fi
