Looking good on board

The GERMAN NAVY (Bundesmarine) is modernizing their operational clothing with GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics: As part of a Europe-wide tender, the specialist for technical functional materials supplies a large part of the functional textiles for their new clothing system. After a procurement period of only three years, the first delivery will take place later this year and includes multiple layers, from combat shirts to cold protection jackets. 

With the modular system of highly functional, weatherproof, and flame-retardant clothing, around 11,000 naval personnel will be even better protected at sea in the future - even during operations in different climate zones. GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics works closely with the brand partners DNS Alpha, Goldeck-Carinthia, Schöffel, and Wattana, who manufacture clothing from Gore materials. "The role of the GERMAN NAVY is becoming increasingly important in times of change. Geopolitical tensions and security policy changes present unprecedented challenges for alliance defense - such as protecting critical infrastructure at sea, trade routes, and global supply chains, as well as a stronger focus on national and alliance defense from the Arctic to the tropics," emphasizes Thomas Meyer, Key Account Manager for Defense Fabrics at Gore. "Our technologies offer optimal protection against the elements under the toughest conditions, so that the sailors return safely from their missions." 

Modular clothing system for the most adverse conditions

The new, modular system includes several clothing elements that provide optimal protection and comfort to the soldiers. This includes a wet weather jacket and pants in navy blue for use in harsh weather conditions. The equipment is complemented by boarding and combat suits with jacket, pants, and combat shirts. A cold protection jacket provides additional insulation in low temperatures. 

Powerful technologies for comprehensive protection on board 

Sailors face many dangers at sea: storm and rough seas on deck, heat and tight spaces below deck, and fires or combat situations. At sea, GORE-TEX technologies protect against high winds, rain, and splashing water, while keeping the equipment light and flexible - a crucial advantage when working on deck or in tight ship areas. "Flame resistance is one of the core requirements of the new boarding and combat suit, as fires at sea can pose an existential threat to ship crews," explains Lieutenant Captain Jörg Lerche from the Marine Command Rostock. "In particular, the limited escape options and the potential spread of fire to flammable materials are a major danger. In addition, there are extreme stresses from smoke and heat formation." 

PYRAD® product technology for flame protection lighter than aramid 

For this reason, the boarding and combat suit is equipped with GORE-TEX PYRAD® product technology. The technology enables heat- and flame-resistant protective clothing that is compact, lightweight, and breathable at the same time. It is based on a laminate that forms a stable char layer when exposed to heat and flames, protecting the wearer. The material is significantly lighter and more flexible than aramid-based textiles, and more abrasion-resistant, leading to a longer lifespan. This is particularly important for rough surfaces and sharp edges of a ship. During the tender, tests were carried out on heat and flame resistance and leak prevention at the Naval Operations Training Center in Neustadt/Holstein. These tests were accompanied by wear trials by naval units on board, who were able to test the clothing in the rough daily routine at sea. 

Modern appearance and symbol of national identity 

Like all armed forces, the GERMAN NAVY faces the challenge of recruiting the required number of qualified sailors. "A contemporary and representative appearance is important for successful recruitment. Contemporary, functional, and visually appealing uniforms convey professionalism, identity, and pride - this strengthens the external image of the armed forces and increases the attractiveness of the profession," emphasizes Lerche. This is also where the clothing system from GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics comes in: its materials are lighter, more robust, and enable processing options that were previously not feasible. The result: modern cuts and high wearing comfort, as known from high-performance textiles in the leisure sector, ensure an attractive design of the service clothing.

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