The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the global security situation. Readiness for action is now more than ever at the centre of security policy debates for European armed forces – an objective that has become even more urgent in light of recent developments in the US. However, armed forces often suffer from outdated technology, the modernisation of which is hampered by traditionally long procurement cycles and limited defence budgets.
A NATO report reveals that current equipment in many Member States is up to 20 years behind current technological standards. This both endangers the deployment capability of these forces but also puts soldiers at unnecessary risk. Industry could offer quick solutions and guarantee security of supply in many areas.
Thomas Meyer, an expert in military clothing and equipment at W. L. Gore & Associates, outlines four proposals from the example of the equipment and clothing industry that could be employed to speed up processes.
1: Modular protection for a wide range of applications
The land war has returned to Europe – with new demands on the national defence of European states, already starting on the NATO eastern flank. Soldiers will once again be increasingly deployed in cold, wet and Arctic climates where their stamina will depend on a modular clothing system that provides protection against cold and wet conditions. At the same time, deployment in hot regions will remain an integral part of their operations.
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Insulation and functional layers that can be flexibly combined are essential to cope with extreme climatic requirements. Successful examples of a system such as this include the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) in Scandinavia, the Dutch DOKS, the German Armed Forces KBS SK, or the newly designed German Navy clothing system.
This clothing can be altered by quickly replaceable layers, which can be adapted with minimal logistical effort to the respective operational climate. A modular system is more than just efficient – it ensures that soldiers remain ideally protected and operational in all climatic conditions.
A clothing system that is well coordinated in terms of compatibility, fit and the use of flexible materials increases the mobility of the individual soldier and thus the mobility of the entire force.
The use of flame-retardant materials can also protect soldiers from being injured by fire. Protection against this constant threat in the field of combat is therefore essential, but must never be at the expense of mobility and comfort. Only well-protected and highly mobile soldiers have good combat strength and significantly better chances of returning home in a healthy state.
2: Multilateral cooperation across borders
Many European countries are too small for stand-alone national military procurement. Joint procurement saves time, costs and human resources, despite the need for serious coordination, as demonstrated by multinational aircraft and tank defence programmes.
This also applies to clothing, where standardised finishes and materials ensure that soldiers from different nations can work together seamlessly. A high level of standardisation ensures interoperability between armed forces, facilitates the exchange of articles, and improves logistical flexibility. As true as this knowledge is in theory, it is difficult to implement in practise. The Nordic Combat Uniform is a successful model from the clothing segment, in which GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics is also involved. The future will show whether this cross-border project gains popularity in other countries as well.
3: Upgradeable clothing and equipment
“You train as you fight” – NATO armies are working hard to modernise their equipment to protect their soldiers as best as possible. Admittedly the rapid procurement of market-available technologies helps to quickly close inventory gaps, however this needs to be aligned with the integration of industrial innovations. Many systems are currently lagging behind in technological terms: by ten years within special forces, and by up to 20 years in the wider armed forces. One thing is clear: the aim must always be to reduce this innovation backlog to five to ten years in the interests of soldiers. This means better protection.
One example of this is a squad’s wet-weather clothing, which is often outdated. Modern materials could provide much greater comfort with less weight and greater freedom of movement.
Innovation clauses could ensure this. These clauses are contractually agreed with suppliers and require them to provide regular updates to maintain a technological lead. In the clothing sector, this could be done with high-tech systems, such as wet-weather protection or modular combat clothing systems, with the addition of individual elements. After all, only continuously modernised clothing will ensure soldiers' superiority in battle in the long term - today and in the future.
4: Thinking from the soldier’s point of view
In active service procurement, the focus is always on the soldier and their requirements. The basic principle of “thinking from the user’s point of view” is the reality here. Soldiers are closely and continuously involved in the procurement process at an early stage. This can prevent procurements overlooking the real and practical mission life of a soldier, and also enables soldiers to obtain the clothing and equipment they really need to fulfil their orders. Soldiers therefore need to have a clear voice and decision-making rights in the procurement process.
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A good example of this is the equipping of the German Bundeswehr Armed Forces with the new combat boot concept, consisting of the heavy and light combat boots. Soldiers can choose from a range of renowned manufacturers’ models in terms of fit and look. Since the introduction of these boots about 15 years ago, the vexatious issue of fit, comfort and wet-cold feet has become a thing of the past. After all, the best equipment is the equipment designed with the people who use it day after day in mind – the key to protection and combat strength in every situation.
Conclusion:
Procurement processes need to keep pace with the speed of threats in a world where security risks are constantly on the increase. However, soldiers need more than just modern equipment – they need the confidence that their equipment will keep pace with the challenges and technological innovations. Modularity, innovation, international cooperation and deployment focus must lead the way. That way, active service procurement will ensure the safety of soldiers who guarantee our safety with their lives.
