New Uniform – Nordic Combat Uniform System
In January 2025, the first soldiers recieved the new Norwegian uniform, M23, also known as the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU). Read about the uniform's features and components and see pictures.
The new uniform, M23, is not just a uniform, but a complete uniform system with all garments from innermost to outermost layers. From wool underwear such as boxer shorts, bras, and t-shirts, wool mesh, wool terry – to combat uniforms and two different sets of insulation jackets and trousers, as well as rainwear and winter camouflage.
It is based on a 'layer-on-layer' system and is designed to work together from the innermost to the outermost layer. Compared to the old uniform, it provides more protection, higher comfort, and better functionality.
The uniform in pictures
-
Combat Jacket
The combat jacket is made of flame-retardant fabric. The detachable hood has multiple adjustment options and also accommodates the combat helmet underneath. The jacket also features removable elbow protectors, ventilation pockets, and a back pocket with a zipper.
Combat Trousers
The combat trousers are also made of flame-retardant fabric and have sewn-on knee protectors. Removable knee protectors are also included, and the trousers have special straps to adjust the height of the knee protectors.
The knee protectors are integrated into the new trousers. The trousers can be adjusted at the waist with Velcro.
At the back, there is a clever 'accordion function' that ensures the trousers stay in place when you squat down.
You can also adjust them around the calves.
The trousers also have hooks at the bottom, so they can be fastened to the boots to prevent, for example, snow from getting in.
The uniform is also equipped with many adjustment options.
Adjustment on the sleeves. As well as multiple pockets.
Most of the pockets in the uniform have straps on the inside to secure items like compasses and keys.
Several of the pockets also feature a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, similar to what is found on combat vests and backpacks, allowing you to attach multi-tools, knives, magazine pouches, and other equipment.
A pocket at the bottom of the trouser leg on the combat trousers. -
The combat shirt is made of soft and flexible jersey on the torso. The sleeves are made of the same durable material as the jacket.
-
Shell Jacket and Shell Trousers
These are designed to withstand weather and wind. The shell jacket and shell trousers are both windproof and waterproof.
Insulation Jacket and Insulation Trousers
The insulation jacket comes in two variants: a light one and a thicker one.
The thick jacket can be expanded with zippers to accommodate more layers underneath. The insulation trousers also come in two variants and have zippers on the sides, making them easy to put on and take off. They are made of an insulating Gore fabric and have an adjustable waist.
Snow Jacket
The snow jacket has zippers that provide easy access to the pockets underneath and can adjust ventilation. The camouflage pattern has some new grey details because snow is rarely completely white; there are shadows and bare patches in between.
Snow Trousers
The snow trousers have front pockets with special closures instead of Velcro because tests showed that snow gets stuck in Velcro. The buttons are large enough to be used with gloves on.
Pockets with Straps
Most of the pockets in the uniform have straps on the inside to secure items like compasses and keys. Several of the pockets also feature a MOLLE system, similar to what is found on combat vests and backpacks, allowing you to attach multi-tools, knives, magazine pouches, and other equipment.
-
Braces and Belt
The braces that come with the uniform can be attached and adjusted with Velcro. They can be used on all uniform trousers.
The uniform also includes an adjustable belt that can be used on all uniform trousers.
-
Underwear
The underwear is made of 100 percent merino wool from a Norwegian company that produces the garments in Estonia and Latvia. The high wool content means the garments do not need to be washed as often, while providing a cooling effect in warm climates and a warming effect in cold climates.
The underwear comes in both briefs and boxer shorts.
Bra
The bra is a double-lined sports top. It is made of 100 percent merino wool and is tailored to your size, based on your height and chest measurements.
Wool Shirt and Wool Trousers
The shirts come in two variants, either with a half zipper at the neck or a full zipper. The underwear also has a soft wool terry on the inside and is seamless for extra comfort. These are produced by Woolpower and have a higher wool content compared to previous models.
Mesh Underwear
The mesh underwear keeps you dry and warm. It wicks moisture away from the body and provides good insulation.
-
Soldiers also receive a repair kit to fix minor damages themselves, such as sewing on a patch if something gets worn.
Nordic Cooperation
The system is called the Nordic Combat Uniform System (abbreviated NCU or NCUS) and is shared by Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.
The development of the new uniform system has been a Nordic collaboration project among the Nordic countries. The countries have joined forces on a common contract for new uniforms, which are similar in design and construction but equipped with different national camouflage patterns.
The collaboration has given the parties a larger collective footprint in the market, making it possible to obtain uniforms of very high quality at a good price.
Camouflage That Can Save Lives
The Norwegian uniform comes with a camouflage pattern that has been researched, developed, and tested by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. Tests conducted by FFI show that the new camouflage pattern camouflages much better than other commercial patterns on the market, and also better than the old uniform. Seconds saved from being detected can ultimately save soldiers' lives.
Uniform with More Sizes Than Before
NCU can be delivered in far more sizes than previously available. The uniform comes in around 30 different sizes. Previously, weight and height were used to determine sizes, but this new system is more precise. For example, the tops are based on stated body length and chest measurements.
Therefore, this uniform can be much more easily adapted to different body types and shapes, both for men and women.
Most of the NCU garments are unisex, but wool garments such as boxer shorts, bras, and wool mesh garments are tailored for women and men.
User-Tested by Soldiers
To ensure the system works, it has been user-tested by approximately 400 soldiers from the Nordic countries. They tested various versions of the uniform for daily use over a period and answered surveys along the way.
A warm winter jacket over the combat uniform and insulation jacket. The camouflage pattern has some grey elements to mimic light and shadow play in the snow. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The work uniform itself is made of flame-retardant fabric. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Knee protection is sewn into the knees. Additionally, extra protection can be added if needed. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Combat shirt with a torso made of soft jersey fabric and sleeves made of the same material as the combat jacket. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The uniform has many options for customisation and adjustment. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The uniform has many options for customisation and adjustment. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The uniform has many options for customisation and adjustment. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The uniform has many options for customisation and adjustment. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Practical pockets in both the top and bottom. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Practical pockets in both the top and bottom. Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces
Distribution Starts in the North
Distribution of the new uniforms started in Finnmark, northern Norway in January 2025, at the Garrison in Sør-Varanger (GSV).
Once all soldiers at the GSV, the Porsanger Garrison, and Home Guard District 17 are fully outfitted, the process will continue gradually southwards to the rest of the armed forces.
Will Take Time
There will be a gradual introduction of the new uniform system in the coming years, done gradually from garrison to garrison. This is to ensure that all old uniforms at one garrison are replaced with new ones, so that the various depots only need to manage one uniform system at a time.
The first deliveries consist of nearly 700,000 different items, comprising 28 types of garments from innermost to outermost layers. Although the current uniform will be phased out, it does not mean it will be discarded. It will continue to be used alongside the new uniform for a long time. The old uniform will be utilised as much as possible, maintained, and repaired before being phased out.
Maintenance and Repair
It is a high priority to increase the lifespan of the garments in the new uniform system. The clothes will be repaired in sewing rooms to a greater extent than before.
With the introduction of the new uniform, NCU, soldiers will have more responsibility for repairing and maintaining their own uniform and equipment. The new uniforms come with a small repair kit, including patching materials.
