According to sources in the defence and security sector, the Indian Army intends to implement its new digital-pattern uniform by 2025 and expects to file for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over it.
The new combat uniform was shown in January on Army Day and was created by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) “in close consultation” with the Army. The fatigues are a combination of olive and earthy tones.
“The uniform is distinctive in that it was designed with an unusual digital camouflage pattern, a modern, utilitarian style, and a lighter, more breathable fabric. Because of this, the Army intends to implement control mechanisms to preserve its exclusivity, according to sources in the defence industry.
In April of this year, the Army submitted an application to the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, establishing ownership of the pattern and design. The IPR filing procedure will soon start.
By August 2022, the new uniform, according to security sources, will be accessible through central procurement and the Canteen Stores Department (CSD).
The Army has also raised concerns about the “uncontrolled spread” of the current combat uniform, which has resulted in security flaws and “unauthorised versions” that can be bought from stores in Army cantonments and military bases.
Together with the Delhi Police, the Army ran an awareness campaign on Monday to inform the public and persuade store owners in the Delhi Cantonment to stop selling “unauthorised” fighting cloth.
According to sources in the defence and security establishment, “a two-pronged approach has been adopted, with strict instructions prohibiting any serving Army personnel from purchasing the new pattern uniform from unauthorised vendors; similarly, once the IPR process is complete, any unauthorised shopkeeper selling the new combat dress will face legal action and subsequent prosecution.”
The Indian Navy unveiled its new digital-camouflage-patterned uniform a year ago.
