The new camouflage of the French army

The new camouflage of the French army: the new pattern of the French military

The new French army BME (Bariolage Multi-Environnemental) multi-environmental camouflage pattern, announced in May, was presented at Eurosatory.

Clearly influenced by the early 21st century US Army experimental pattern, from which Crye Precision's commercial MultiCam and the US Army's more recent OCP or Operational Camouflage Pattern (aka Scorpion W2) are derived, the new French BME is neither a copy nor a full color match.

I haven't had a chance to see a full sample of this all-new camo yet, or directly compare it to a large MultiCam sample, but the examples of uniforms I've been lucky enough to be able to photograph at Eurosatory 2022 were different enough that I could tell from a distance that it was the new model; that said, I think when worn in the field, the new model will be fully compatible with the MultiCam once it gets dusty and slightly discolored from the sun.

Before we focus on the new camouflage pattern, let's look at the description given for the BME dummy on display last week at Eurosatory

Multi-environment striping: the new French camo pattern

:- Multi-environment pattern: this new pattern is set to replace, from 2024, the Central Europe and Desert patterns used by the French army since [the] 1990s. It offers increased concealment capacity compared to patterns current (25% increase). Performance evaluation means: speed and distance of detection, recognition and identification. A survey on the aesthetic aspect was carried out on more than 300 people from the three armies. BME F3 combat outfit: this outfit is designed to provide combatants with better protection, comfort and ease in carrying out their missions. Its thermostable capabilities protect soldiers from flames for several seconds (fireproofing). Thanks to a slimmer cut and fewer pockets, its weight has been considerably reduced.

The new French military uniform

Example of a winter fabric uniform of a given size: the BDU F3 weighs 1,350g against 1,850g for the BDU T4 S2 (weight reduction of 27%). According to the equipment plan, it will be made available to the forces in 2024. SMB V2: personal and scalable modular ballistic vest whose ergonomics, weight and robustness are optimized (10 kg in standard configuration).

He is being deployed to the troops. HK416 (airsoft model shown): the HK416F assault rifle is the new service weapon for conventional forces.

It provides the military with better accuracy and range. TAP F3: the F3 helmet is the optimized version of the FÉLIN helmet. Its payload capacity has been greatly improved thanks to new interfaces, which increases the operational capacity of combatants. Goggles: Ballistic goggles protect the eyes from secondary splashes, splinters, dust and sunlight.

Combat boots: designed for the comfort and protection of warriors, they are adapted to the constraints of operational engagement. Gloves: reinforced hand protection and better ergonomics (suitable for shooting).

The new French army fatigues : the BME pattern

Now let's move on to the BME pattern. My first impression is that this predominantly horizontal pattern has more dark green and a slightly redder shade of dark brown than the American patterns, but I must point out that I saw and photographed the BME in 1000 degree lighting conditions. exposure - i.e. a total mix of area and directional lighting, with some natural light.

That said, the two photos of the combat jacket worn by the Commander (Major) were taken in natural light near a glazed inner courtyard and are probably the best color representations. A French Army commander wearing the new BME camouflage pattern.

Although the BME is a mostly horizontal pattern, much like the current US OCP or Scorpion W2, a small number of more vertical twigs are incorporated, but unlike the "twigs" found on the Genuine MultiCam, these really look like twigs. Funnily enough, the pattern also has a few light-colored triangles, which strikes me as a bit odd since isolated triangles aren't very common in nature.

Army uniform : a new uniform in 2024

As this uniform will not be deployed throughout the Army until 2024, it will probably be some time before having the opportunity to photograph a French soldier alongside a soldier from another nation wearing MultiCam / OCP / MTP etc. but I'm sure the different patterns will be compatible. In addition, a new French camouflage pattern for mountain warfare will also be introduced around 2025/6. 2025/6, but that's a story for another day.

There are a small number of twig and triangle shapes in the new BME model.

Finally, a word on the new French army boots. The Temperate Zone Combat Shoe or CCZT now replaces the Center Europe Combat Shoe or CdCCE brown 2014. Both of these boots, the older model being a version of the Nepal PRO, are manufactured by HAIX and as soon as I receive a spec sheet from Mainburg.

The French Army Special Forces Command recently adopted a new operational camouflage pattern to succeed the Crye MultiCam.

For several years, French Army Special Forces Land (COM FST) personnel deployed operationally in Africa and the Middle East have primarily worn Crye MultiCam combat uniforms, but recently a new toned down camouflage pattern has been introduced. issued to certain units. During the recent SOFINS 2019 conference and exhibition, held at the Camp de Souge special forces base near Bordeaux, a large number of operators, mainly from the 1st RPIMa, wore this new camouflage and we naturally seized the opportunity to photograph them.

The HALO jumper in the center of this photo wears the new SF camo.

As we will see in our report on the dynamic presentation of SOFINS 19, not all members of the special forces were wearing the new camouflage pattern, which we understand is gradually being rolled out by unit, and it is most likely MultiCam uniforms and Central European standard uniforms will be worn for specific deployments and/or theaters where operationally desirable. It's also likely that some MultiCam gear will be worn with the new uniform, with the two models being reasonably compatible.

French operator wearing UBACS and combat pants in the new FS camouflage pattern

Which camouflage to choose?

At first glance, the new French Special Forces motif - none of the officers or NCOs we spoke to could or would give us a specific name - appears to be a very washed-out MultiCam, and it was indeed quite hard to tell it apart from some older sun-faded gear we've seen worn with it, but a close look reveals the new pattern doesn't have the vertical "twigs" found on commercial MultiCams. My gut reaction is that this predominantly horizontal pattern, which French military personnel assured me was developed by Crye Precision specifically for the COM FST, could be a color variation of Crye's Scorpion W2 pattern used for the U.S. Army's latest Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform, but until we can compare large areas of the two fabrics side-by-side to see if there are any design similarities, this is a pure conjecture on my part.

Another small point to note, the new uniform of the French forces is made in a rip-stop fabric which reminded me of the fabric used for some new generation Italian combat uniforms.

Last week, the French army announced the adoption of a new camouflage pattern from 2024 for better combatant stealth in all circumstances.

What is the name of the new camouflage put into service in the three armies from 2024?

The new Multi-Environment Swatches (BME) will replace the currently used Central Europe and Desert patterns with a single pattern. According to research, it takes 25% longer for an observer to detect a soldier wearing the BME than the old patterns.

Why did military vehicles change color?

Although the BME appears similar to designs worn by the US, UK and other countries using MultiCam derivatives, the French explain that it is inspired by the "Brun terre de France" color used for French military vehicles (see below) and triangular patterns reminiscent of the camouflage of the vehicles of the Scorpion program which will be deployed at the same time as the new camouflage.

To follow all the news in real time you can go to the official page of the army .

What is the best military camouflage?

Designed by the Army Technical Section, BME combat clothing was developed by the Army Quartermaster Service. The French have planned a budget of 200 million euros and the show will start in 2024. The cut of the uniform is that of the new Fighter 2020 F3 uniform developed under the FELIN program which is FR.

To camouflage yourself even more effectively, you can opt for a camouflage net , we offer different nets to allow you to hide in all types of environments.