Defense Uniforms Facing Durability Concerns After $22.5 Million Purchase
Soldiers are reporting premature wear and tear-holes and tears-in the Norwegian Armed Forces’ newly issued Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) system, raising concerns about the $22.5 million investment. The NCU, a collaborative project between Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, aimed to standardize basic uniform components across the Nordic nations, each wiht unique camouflage patterns.
The issues, impacting all layers of the uniform system, are prompting Defense materials command to collaborate with suppliers on potential fixes. While the program intends to provide durable,all-weather gear for troops,early feedback suggests the textiles and construction may not be meeting expectations. The problems aren’t isolated to Norway; Finland is experiencing similar challenges with the NCU.
Oskar Pedersen AS, the primary supplier, acknowledged receiving soldier feedback shortly after uniform distribution began. ”We are working to identify the causes, and believe we have good control over this,” stated General Manager Truls Oskar Pedersen.
Defense materials is currently evaluating several potential improvements to both the fabric and the uniform’s construction. The NCU system encompasses all soldier apparel, from base layers to outer garments. The uniform rollout began with soldiers at the Garrison of Sør-Varanger in Kirkenes on january 17, 2025, as photographed by Heiko Junge / NTB.
