Army to adopt new combat fatigues next year

The new uniform with the digital camouflage pattern, similar to the one used by the British Army, will be showcased at the 2022 Army Day parade on January 15

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is set to replace its decades-old battle fatigues with a new combat uniform that will provide soldiers better camouflage, more comfort, and uniformity in design, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

While soldiers wear the combat uniform in operational areas, officers posted in the Army headquarters in New Delhi also wear the combat dress on Fridays in solidarity with men operating in the forward areas (PTI)

The new uniform with the digital camouflage pattern, similar to the one used by the British Army, will be showcased at the 2022 Army Day parade on January 15, said one of the officials cited above. It is expected to be introduced in the army by August 2022, said another official. The digitised print will vary with terrains such as mountains, deserts, and jungles.

The new uniform pattern has been selected after a careful study of the army’s working requirements and the need to introduce uniformity in battle fatigues worn by soldiers. Variations in the existing uniform pattern worn by soldiers have drawn criticism from some quarters. The National Institute of Fashion Technology has helped the army finalise the new uniform.

While soldiers wear the combat uniform in operational areas, officers posted in the Army headquarters in New Delhi also wear the combat dress on Fridays in solidarity with men operating in the forward areas. Unlike in the existing combat uniform, the shirt will not be tucked inside the trouser in the new battle fatigues.