Finnish Defence Forces to introduce new combat uniforms
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The Finnish Defence Forces are to replace almost 200,000 combat uniforms with new lighter and warmer clothes.
The equipment will be gradually renewed almost entirely. The change will probably be completed in ten years at an estimated cost of about EUR 100 million, according to Commander Ismo Rairama from the Hämeenlinna Quartermaster Depot.
The most visible change will be a new four-colour camouflage print in jackets and trousers, with colours closely matching those of Finnish forests. The clothes have been designed to reflect the infrared radiation of nature, which makes them difficult to see with night vision devices.
Some 3,500 outfits will contain an embedded microchip which will keep a record of the use of the clothing, and how often they have been laundered, thus making it easier to assess the durability of the new garments.
The soldiers who tested the new clothes were especially pleased with the new multifunction vest with its modular attachment system and specific pockets for various items of equipment.
For example, the new wool mittens have a trigger finger, the new boots with thicker soles are more ergonomic, and the new composite helmet is more capable of stopping bullets than is the traditional steel helmet.
The old clothing and equipment will be either given to reservists or sold, while worn-out items will be discarded.
Part of the old outfits have already been given to the Red Cross to be sent to catastrophe areas.
According to Commander Ismo Rairama, "All that meets the eye is domestic production".
However, even though the manufacturers are Finnish, much of the work will be carried out abroad.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 30.1.2007 - TODAY |
 Finnish Defence Forces to introduce new combat uniforms
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