Nordic Combat Uniform
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| Nordic Combat Uniform | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Danish NCU layer 4, 2025 | |
| Type | Military uniform |
| Place of origin | NORDEFCO |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Used by | |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Oskar Pedersen A/S |
| Variants | See variants |
The Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) is the joint military uniform system being introduced into the militaries of the Nordic countries, as part of a NORDEFCO initiative. The uniform will be issued in each nations camouflage pattern.
In 2015, soldiers expressed wishes for a newer and more modular uniform system.[1] Additionally, there was a wish for increased military cooperation between the Nordic countries. For this reason the Nordic militaries began a shared search for a combat uniform.
In 2018, the countries each provided a list of requirements to suppliers, wanting customization and ability to work in all climates. The NCU will be in each nations camouflage pattern.[2][3]
In November 2019, uniforms from the four final pre-qualified suppliers were issued to 480 Nordic special forces, soldiers and conscripts for testing.[4]
The total procurement cost was expected to be €400 million.[4]
While it was expected that an agreement for the period 2021–2028, would be concluded by the end of 2020,[4] by 2021, the tender process was not completed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global supply chain crisis.[5]
On 8 February 2022, it was announced that Norwegian consortium Oskar Pedersen A/S, would be chosen to supply the new uniforms to all Nordic countries, at a total cost of €425 million.[6]
In 2024, Eirik Kristoffersen, the Norwegian Chief of Defence, criticized the NCU, as the different types of camouflage patterns made interchangeability between the Nordics difficult.[7] However, in April 2025 Kristoffersen expressed satisfaction that the long-running project is now being rolled out. He emphasized that the process has delivered a strong result and that the uniform represents a clear improvement.[8]
By 2025, both Denmark and Norway experienced problems with the Layer 2 uniform. It was reported that the layer had quality issues causing quick wear and seams were coming undone.[9]
Design
The uniform system will be provided in three configurations; European, desert and jungle where the European configuration is split into two, both a common (intermediate) which goes down to −19 °C (−2 °F) and a so-called "cold add–on" which can go down to −46 °C (−51 °F).
Layers
| Image | Layer | Description |
|---|---|---|
.jpg) |
Layer 0+1A | Underwear |
| Layer 1B | Terry wool long johns, shirt and jacket. | |
.jpg) |
Layer 2A | European combat uniform jacket, trousers and shirt. |
.jpg) |
Layer 2B | Desert and Jungle uniform jacket, trousers and shirt. |
.jpg) |
Layer 3A | Insulation jacket and trousers |
| Layer 3B | Cold -add on Insulation jacket and trousers | |
|
Layer 4 | Rainwear |
| Layer 5 | Winter camo |
.jpg)
