French Army and "Combatant 2020" project

For many years, French military personnel have been requesting an evolution of their tactical equipment. Indeed, equipment plays a central role in a soldier's uniform and their combat effectiveness. The "Fighter 2020" project notably integrates new F3 fatigues and the customizable individual vest, also called Modular Ballistic Structure (SMB).

Summary: 

• Presentation of the "Fighter 2020" project
• New developments for the "Fighter 2020" uniform
• The F3 fatigues
• The Modular Ballistic Structure (SMB)

Since the 2015 attacks and facing the terrorist threat in France, military personnel must be more mobile, better protected and must be able to communicate at all times with other deployed units. This is why the Army explains the need to regularly evolve the EIC (individual combatant equipment).

In line with the military programming law (LPM) 2019-2025, the "fighter 2020" project puts the soldier at the center of thinking. This project is the first step in a series of evolutions that should in the short term improve the soldier's daily life as well as their effectiveness on all theaters of operation.

The new uniform of the "fighter 2020" project will be composed of new F3 model fatigues in summer and winter versions and also in two colors, Central Europe (CE) camouflage and desert camouflage.

Since May 12, 2022, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced a new color: the Multi-Environment Camouflage (BME) to replace the CE and desert camouflage. Adapted to all environments, it brings real logistical added value for the French Army which will only have to distribute one type of fatigues to each personnel for all their external operations. From the fighter's side, this new camouflage provides a stealth gain with an estimated detection delay of 25% additional. We will have to wait a little longer before receiving these F3 BME fatigues since distribution is planned for 2024.

The F3 fatigues will quickly replace the FELIN uniform (Infantryman with Integrated Equipment and Links). This new F3 fatigues will be better adapted to our soldiers' missions, thanks to a Ripstop fabric resistant to tears, but also in kermel to resist fire.

In addition to the fatigues, military personnel will be equipped with a new individual MOLLE vest that can adapt to all types of missions. This modular ballistic vest will resist impacts from 7.62 mm caliber projectiles. Weighing 12 kg, it is adapted to all missions thanks to its adaptable level of protection and completely redesigned ergonomics.

Images: source Army.