TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA has secured an initial order from the Italian manufacturer Aero Sekur S.p.A (Aprilia, Italy) for the delivery of inherently fire-resistant TenCate Defender M fabric to the Italian 'Soldier of the Future' programme (Forza Nec). The aim of this programme is to modernize the equipment of the Italian infantry.

 The contract is said to be the result of intensive collaboration within European frameworks and TenCate Defender M fabric was selected for optimizing the Battle Dress Uniform of the Italian infantry. Aero Sekur is also responsible for developing the CBRN equipment and the over-garments in the programme. The total 'Forza Nec' programme includes a wide range of protective equipment, for which TenCate will now supply the fabric for the battle dress uniforms for the first 600 or more soldiers.

Ramon Overdijk, Marketing & Sales Director at TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA, explains: "Fire-resistant TenCate Defender M proved to be the decisive factor during the wide-ranging selection by the Italian Ministry of Defence of a fabric that is both fire-resistant and comfortable, so lightweight. TenCate is able to provide the fabric in a variety of camouflage patterns or supply it in several solid colours. This makes the fabric versatile in its use for the protection of several branches of the armed forces, such as the army, special units, air force and navy."

TenCate and fibre producer Lenzing from Austria have combined their knowledge of the development and production of fire-resistant fabrics based on fibres that are inherently fire-resistant and comfortable to wear. Lenzing FR fibre is a key ingredient of TenCate Defender M fabrics. Ramon Overdijk adds: "Unlike other fire-resistant fibres, this fibre offers inherently fire-resistant properties, while also being able to absorb moisture. This combination makes the fabric breathable and comfortable."

In the United States TenCate Defender M fabrics have been selected as the standard fabric for the fire-resistant battle dress uniforms that are worn by the US Army and the US Marine Corps. Outside of the US, TenCate Protective Fabrics supplies the inherently fire-resistant fabric to a number of countries, including the Norwegian Army. In addition to its military applications, TenCate Defender M is also supplied to special police squads.