| Nordic Combat Uniform | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Danish NCU layer 4, 2025 | |
| Type | Military uniform |
| Place of origin | NORDEFCO |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Oskar Pedersen A/S |
TheNordic Combat Uniform (NCU) is the jointmilitary uniform system being introduced into the militaries of theNordic countries, as part of aNORDEFCO 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 theNordic 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, thetender process was not completed, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic and theglobal supply chain crisis.[5]
On 8 February 2022, it was announced that Norwegianconsortium 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, theNorwegian 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]
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). T
| 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 |
| Country | Camouflage | References |
|---|---|---|
 Finland | M05 | |
 Sweden | M90/M23 | |
 Denmark | M/11 MTS | |
 Norway | Norsk Skog | [9] |
| First Entry | [10] |
