The People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) is testing a new family of combat uniforms that will likely replace the existing Type 07 family of military uniforms issued to Chinese infantry 20 years ago.
Soldiers of the Western Theater Command, which borders India and which faces civil unrest in the Muslim-majority province of Xingiang, are field testing 26 new-generation combat uniforms at the Karakoram Range, said the website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The PLAGF combat uniforms being tested are to be used for winter combat and general-purpose combat. Also being tested are other gear such as combat boots; thermos bottles; thicker winter coats; load carriers with waterproof liners and double-layer sleeping bags.
The Central Military Commission's Logistics Support Department said the PLA's new generation combat uniforms include five different versions; one each for the army, navy, air force, rocket force and special forces. The new uniforms concentrate on better camouflage, protection and comfort.
The current Type 07 military uniforms for the PLAGF and the Rocket Force features a colder pine green color with better material and cutting for a more stylish but professional appearance.
Its camouflage version, the 07 Universal Camouflage, features green, brown and black on a grey background. The PLA said this pattern is suitable for semi-urbanized terrain.
China Special Forces troops used for special operations are clad in the 07 Special Force Camouflage uniforms or the Type 07 Hunter Digital Camo, a pixelized pattern also used by PLAGF reconnaissance units.
The PLA said that from 2011 to 2015, its armed services have been equipped with more than 100 types of uniforms, including camouflage uniforms for various environments such as the ocean, city, forest and snow.
There have also been mosquito and insect resistant outfits, identification and protective outfits for aircraft carrier deck crews and work clothes for submariners.