| Nordic Combat Uniform | |
|---|---|
 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 |
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]
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 |
|---|---|---|
 | Layer 0+1A | Underwear |
| Layer 1B | Terry wool long johns, shirt and jacket. | |
 | Layer 2A | European combat uniform jacket, trousers and shirt. |
 | Layer 2B | Desert and Jungle uniform jacket, trousers and shirt. |
 | 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] |