Indian Army patents camouflage uniform

Kolkata: The Indian Army has moved ahead to solve a nagging problem – it has finally patented its camouflage uniform. The Ordnance Factory at Avadi, in Chennai, has warned of legal consequences if manufacturers continue to produce clothing that resembles battle fatigues worn by soldiers.

Though it may appear to be a non-issue in most parts of the country, the army has been bothered by the continued use of camouflage clothing by civilians in militancy-prone areas. With militants donning similar fatigues it makes it difficult for the army to distinguish between the enemy and their comrades.

The problem is not restricted to the army alone but gets complicated for the civilians as well, for they cannot distinguish hostile elements from friendly forces thanks to this ambiguity. This can become particularly critical for Village Defence Forces in insurgency or terrorism prone areas, where it can easily result in a matter of life or death for those caught unawares.

The army has patented two varieties of camouflage - one in a jungle pattern in green and the other a desert pattern in brown. Both will have the logo of the Indian Army. Officials said legal action will be taken against companies manufacturing such textiles and even if a product resembles officially produced cloth in any way.

It is being said that paramilitary outfits are also being supplied with the same cloth as regular army units.