Contract signed for new combat clothing | News item

All soldiers will receive new combat clothing from the Defense Operational Clothing System (DOKS) project. After an extensive test period, Defense awards the contract to Hexonia GmbH. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat announced this today. The clothing system replaces the current combat clothing for the Dutch armed forces and the Belgian navy. The clothing is worn at the barracks, operationally and during deployments.

Dutch soldiers are active worldwide every day for peace and security. They have to perform under often difficult circumstances. They need the right stuff for that. This certainly applies to combat clothing. The new clothing focuses on protection, functionality, individual safety and wearing comfort.

Quality and user testing

Defense sets high quality requirements for clothing. The organization develops these together with the supplier and with input from the users. Various military personnel have intensively tested the (combat) clothing during quality and user tests. Defense carried out these tests in collaboration with external parties such as the TNO knowledge institute. Each operational command provided participants for the carrying tests. This is to provide the best combat and on-board clothing for every soldier.

Suitable for every soldier

DOKS clothing is designed as a multi-layer system. It fits together as a whole and fits in with the equipment that Defense currently uses. Think of underwear, insulation layers and outer layers. The dimensions are made in such a way that it fits everyone military appropriate, including for women.

For this purpose, the system uses preforming, various types of material and adjustment options (for example straps or elastics). Furthermore, there is sufficient room within the project for future further development. This way, new insights and innovations can be implemented quickly.

An extensive system of clothing sizes has been developed. This is based on the available scan and size data of a large number of soldiers, both men and women. In addition to adjustment options, range of motion, appearance and comfort are important. That has been included in the design.

“It took too long,” said Van der Maat. “But I am pleased that today we have been able to take an important step towards the award of the DOKS project. Our soldiers deserve the best equipment to do their important work. This certainly also applies to the combat uniform!”

Interim solution

As an interim solution until the full rollout of DOKS, soldiers are now wearing the temporary suit. They will continue to wear this until the new combat clothing arrives. The first DOKS clothing is expected to be provided in the spring of 2026.