After years of trials a winner has been selected in the Nordic Combat Uniform program which aims to provide a common uniform system for the armed forces of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This is the first time the four nations have let a single contract under their Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) framework.
Earlier this week FMA the Defense Material Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) signed a seven-year contract with Norway’s Oskar Pedersen AS worth up to 425 million Euros. The Norwegians plan to purchase 15,000 uniform systems at 15000 kroner each. Oskar Pedersen AS will provide the clothing and Layers AS will serve as project manager.
With designs to accommodate both male and female troops, components include garments for cold-wet environments as well as Desert and Jungle settings.
Subcontractors include Siamidis SA, which is responsible for technical solutions and manufacturers of combat suits and garments for cold and rain, W.L Gore & Associates GmbH is the system’s technical supplier and Aclima AS & Woolpower AB, which is responsible for wool underwear.
Although the Nordic militaries will adopt the same layout of uniforms, each of the countries will procure versions of the outerwear in their national camouflage patterns.
This is a joint procurement carried out by the Danish Ministry of Defense’s procurement and logistics organization (DALO), the Finnish Defense Logistics Command (FDFLOGCOM), the Norwegian Defense Materiel Administration (NDMA) and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). Although Iceland is a member of NORDEFCO, they are not participating in the NCU program.
Deliveries should begin as early as the end of this year.
Crye Precision was one of the competitors in this program and their offerings are being commercialized as the Alpine Terrain Operations line.
