Slovakia Unveils New Combat Uniform, Small Arms for Troops
Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence has showcased a new combat uniform and a suite of weapons for its armed forces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák and Chief of Defence Gen. Daniel Zmeko presented the equipment as part of a broader effort to modernize the military and bolster domestic defense production.
The NATO country said it will begin distributing the packages to its warfighters this year.
Vzor 25 Combat Kits
The Slovakian military’s new Personal Clothing System – Combat Uniform, designated as the M25 or “Vzor 25,” replaces the older digital camouflage adopted in 2007 and emphasizes comfort, protection, and long-term field survivability.
“This new uniform…has a very important function, namely that of enabling soldiers to survive in the field in the long term,” Militär Aktuell quoted Zmeko as saying, adding that the design reflects operational feedback and lessons from recent conflicts.
The basic set costs about 300 euros ($354) and includes field trousers, a blouse, and a cap, with additional items tailored for specific missions, including a flame-resistant variant.
While the fabric is sourced overseas, tailoring and finishing of the uniforms will be handled by Slovak companies.
Troops will also receive upgraded body armor, helmets, and night vision devices in addition to the Vzor 25 kits.
Weapons From Grand Power
Bratislava also confirmed the adoption of new domestically produced small arms from local Slovak manufacturer, Grand Power.
The company’s GP M4M 5.56×45-millimeter assault rifle will become the standard infantry weapon, supported by new GP R10 7.62×51-millimeter sniper rifles, Stribog SP9 A3 9×19-millimeter submachine guns, and GP Q1 9-millimeter pistols, according to Militarnyi.
Kaliňák noted the rearmament program will cost about 82 million euros ($96.7 million), with shipments scheduled through 2028.
