Putzbrunn, Germany – 26 February, 2025 – The roll-out of the new Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) to armed forces in the Nordics has begun. At the end of January 2025, the Jaeger Infantry in GSV Sør-Varanger in Norway received their first uniform systems including various layers for different climate conditions from extreme cold to desert conditions. The garrison in Sør-Varanger (GSV) is part of the Finnmark Land Defense. Their mission includes monitoring and patrolling the 198-kilometer-long border with Russia.
Swedish and Danish soldiers are expected to receive their first uniforms later this year. GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics is proud to be one of the partners, contributing with protective product technologies to several components of the uniform system.
NCU is the result of a multi-year collaborative effort involving specialized garment partners including Gore, Siamidis, Woolpower and Aclima, aimed at creating a fully integrated uniform system specifically designed for the Nordic environment. It is the largest project of its kind, developed in close cooperation with the armed forces of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. The result is a modern, functional, and flexible combat uniform system that meets the demands of soldiers operating in demanding conditions.
The uniform system includes garments from the innermost to the outermost layers – ranging from wool underwear, such as boxers, bras, and T-shirts, to combat uniforms, two sets of insulated jackets and trousers, as well as rain gear and winter camouflage. While the uniforms are specifically designed for the Nordic climate, the system also includes configurations suitable for jungle and desert environments.
Gore is a material-science innovator and supplies highly technical fabrics for professional applications such as within the military. The company was actively involved in the development and testing of the NCU, working closely with Nordic defense agencies and soldiers to ensure optimal performance across Arctic, temperate, and wet environments. Beyond supplying materials, Gore contributed to prototyping, field testing, and refining the uniform’s design to meet strict military standards for durability, breathability, and weather protection.
The uniform system features the following GORE-TEX product technologies:
- The standard combat uniform incorporates PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS, providing enhanced flame-resistant protection as well as comfort, durability and colour fastness.
- The thermal uniforms utilise WINDSTOPPER® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS in the outer fabric for windproofness, comfort, and durability.
- The rain uniform features GORE-TEX product technology, delivering waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable performance.
“We are extremely proud to be part of the team that has developed this groundbreaking uniform system. Our top priority has been to deliver technologies for a combat uniform that protects soldiers while offering the highest levels of performance, comfort and sustainability. Seeing the final garment being handed out to soldiers to protect them in their important missions makes me extremely proud,” says Åke Sahlgaard, Key Account Manager and project manager for the NCU at Gore. The project has been in development for several years, beginning when the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) awarded Oskar Pedersen and partners a multi-year agreement for the uniform system, known as the Nordic Combat Uniform System (NCU). Valued at €425 million, the project is unique in both scope and execution.
In addition to Gore, the NCU project team includes the following partners: Oskar Pedersen AS (contract partner), Layers AS (project management), Costas Siamidis SA (system developer and manufacturer of all outer layers), and Aclima AS and Woolpower AB (both manufacturers and developers of wool garments).
About NORDEFCO
The Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the national defenses of its participants, explore joint synergies, and facilitate effective collaborative solutions.
About GORE-TEX Professional
Gore revolutionised the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com
L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to improving industries and lives. Since 1958, Gore has been solving complex technical challenges in demanding environments - from outer space to the world's highest peaks to the inside of the human body. With approximately 13,000 employees and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual sales of 4.8 billion US dollars. gore.com
