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Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH has commissioned Hexonia to feminize the combat suit in the German Armed Forces combat clothing set (KBS SK). The order includes the development of a combat suit for women based on the KBS SK, consisting of a short combat jacket, a long combat jacket and combat trousers. The feminized combat suit is designed to ensure a good fit and sufficient freedom of movement in combination with all other KBS SK items, such as underwear, insulation layers, shoes and accessories.

 

In addition, Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH has commissioned Hexonia to supply around 52,000 long combat jackets, 83,000 combat jackets and around 78,000 combat trousers from the KBS SK. Delivery of the items is scheduled to begin in mid-July 2026.

 

“We are delighted with the order and proud that Hexonia is the only supplier to have been awarded a lot for each item. In recent years, we have invested heavily and expanded our production capacities in order to meet the high volumes demanded in the context of fully equipping soldiers (vorgezogene Vollausstattung). This step allows us to continue to act as a reliable partner for the German Armed Forces,” explains Sabine Albert, Managing Director of Hexonia GmbH.

 

Since 2020, Hexonia GmbH has been supplying the complete combat suit, underwear, insulation layers, moisture protection, protectors and suspenders for the KBS SK to the German Armed Forces.

 

 

Hexonia GmbH has delivered all contracted items of the Bundeswehr’s accelerated program for full equipment. Over the past three years, Hexonia has equipped the German Armed Forces, as part of the accelerated procurement, with more than 1.3 million clothing components and 1 million sets of protectors for the KBS SK, as well as a total volume of 305,000 sets of ballistic underwear for the MOBAST system, consisting of shirt, pants, and balaclava. Hexonia is therefore one of the most significant suppliers of equipment to the German armed forces.

 

In 2022, the Ministry of Defence announced the full equipping of soldiers with personal equipment by the end of 2025 as one of the first measures of accelerated procurement introduced to strengthen alliance and defense capabilities. In this context, Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH (BwBM) tendered 150,000 sets of KBS SK and 305,000 sets of MOBAST in order to fully equip soldiers of the German Armed Forces with modern, functional clothing within three years.

 

For the MOBAST system, Hexonia was commissioned as the sole supplier of ballistic underwear. For the KBS SK, Hexonia received contracts for the combat jacket, long combat jacket, combat trousers, combat shirt, integrated knee and elbow protectors, hard-shell protectors, suspenders, the padded insulation layer, and the wool underwear.

 

“Over the past three years, we had one important goal in mind: on-time delivery within the framework of accelerated full equipment. To achieve this, we invested extensively in facilities, personnel, and digitalization in order to expand our production capacities accordingly. I am proud that with the final delivery we have successfully completed both contracts and will also be allowed to remain an important partner of the Bundeswehr in the future,” says Sabine Albert, Managing Director of Hexonia GmbH.

 

Last year, Hexonia received further contracts for the KBS SK with the feminization project – the development of a combat suit for female soldiers – as well as the delivery of combat jackets, combat trousers, and the new foul weather garment worn underneath.

The German Armed Forces and the industry are working intensly to strengthen defence capabilities

 

With the establishment of a special fund to equip the Bundeswehr, an amendment to the German constitution (Basic Law) and the NATO decisions, the political and financial course has been set in Germany for strengthening defence. A large number of procurement projects have already been successfully initiated. However, the German Armed Forces still have a long way to go to ensure that their forces are combat-ready and capable of defending the country in the event of an attack. This is not particularly surprising. After years in which the defence industry played only a minor role in Germany, armaments companies cannot simply pull off-the-shelf solutions that meet requirements. In order to be able to provide materials, technical equipment and protective gear in sufficient quantities in the short to medium term, capacities must first be rebuilt.

 

Personal equipment for soldiers as a blueprint

 

The German Armed Forces has therefore adapted its procurement process. The focus is on simplified procedures, the use of commercially available solutions and intensive dialogue with industry representatives. In addition, the German Armed Forces is increasingly relying on synergy effects through international cooperation.

 

The provision of clothing, protective equipment and carrying equipment for soldiers is currently regarded as a blueprint for a successful rearmament process: Over the past three years, the German Armed Forces, in close cooperation with industry, has provided its armed forces with new personal equipment across the board – from combat boots to combat clothing, helmets, backpacks and modular ballistic protection equipment. To this end, suppliers have tripled, quadrupled and quintupled their output in some cases.

 

Reliable capacities ensure strong partnerships

 

From Nettetal in Germany, Hexonia GmbH has been supplying Bundeswehr soldiers with a multi-piece combat clothing system and ballistic underwear on a large scale since 2022. The Armed Forces Combat Clothing Set – KBS SK for short – comprises various underwear and insulation layers, combat trousers, shirts and jackets, as well as weather protection clothing, and is based on the IDZ-ES clothing system, which the company has been supplying to the German Armed Forces infantry since 2014.

 

In order to be able to supply multi-piece clothing systems not only to individual units but to entire armed forces, Hexonia has strategically realigned itself in recent years and significantly expanded its capacities. ‘We have made it our mission to support the German Armed Forces and other European nations as a partner. In today’s demand situation, which requires larger volumes in less time, this has involved extensive investments in equipment, human resources and digitalization in order to increase our performance,’ explains Sabine Albert, Managing Director of Hexonia GmbH.

 

From 2020 to 2023, Hexonia built an industrial park covering around 12,000 m² in Nettetal, comprising production and logistics halls, quality assurance, a laboratory and a prototype studio. The number of employees doubled to around 280 today. Another milestone in the expansion of services is its merger with the Norwegian NFM Group in 2022. “The size and capacities of the group enable us to reliably handle even more extensive orders. In addition, our product range has expanded significantly. Hexonia, as a specialist in clothing technology, and NFM, as a ballistics expert, complement each other perfectly,” explains Sabine Albert. With over 1,000 employees, NFM is active in the development of innovative, high-quality protective equipment for soldiers and security forces. In addition to combat clothing and helmets, the portfolio also includes modular carrying and protective vest systems and the corresponding ballistic packages.

 

Bundeswehr relies on personal exchange for faster armament

 

In order to speed up the procurement of military equipment, decision-makers in the German Armed Forces are in close contact with industry: requirements are shared at an early stage, product designs are reviewed and work processes and production facilities are assessed. As part of his summer tour, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki stopped off at Hexonia this year. As Head of the Armaments Department of the German Ministry of Defence, he believes that reliable partners and commercially available solutions are key to successful and rapid armament: “During my visit, I was able to see for myself the innovative strength and reliability with which the company works – for the direct benefit of our soldiers. I was particularly impressed by the proven flexibility with which Hexonia has managed to adapt to the requirements of our time in just a few years, for example by increasing its production capacities. This is an example that even large system houses can follow,” emphasises Stawitzki.

 

Quantity vs. quality: strengthening defence through innovative developments

 

Ultimately, the defence capability of the German Armed Forces in terms of equipment is measured by the quantity of the required armaments that are available, as well as their quality and innovative character. The further development of products is an important part of the procurement process and is also a priority at Hexonia. “For 20 years, we have been working intensively on the requirements soldiers have for their equipment and are continuously developing it further in order to offer suitable and user-oriented solutions. The pursuit of innovation and a focus on actual needs have always been part of our company’s mentality. This is how, for example, our TRIVIUM helmet system was developed a few years ago, which we have been supplying to the German Special Forces (KSK) for three years,” recalls Sabine Albert.

 

The main requirements for the helmet system were maximum modularity through the integration of functional and ballistic accessories, as well as the possibility of personal configuration with easy handling. Today, thanks to continuous development, including in terms of protection level, TRIVIUM is even more powerful and can be manufactured in large quantities in various designs.

 

Conclusion: The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw for short) sums up the “Zeitenwende” (turning point) in Bundeswehr procurement with the hashtag #BeschaffungLäuft (Procurement Is Running). Hexonia’s response is #ProduktionLäuft (Production Is Running) (too).

Hexonia recorded two orders from the Bundeswehr in August:

 

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Hexonia to supply ballistic protective shields and accessories. The framework agreement, which runs until the end of 2031, covers around 100 medium-sized and small shields. Three quarters of the quantity has been firmly commissioned to Hexonia upon signing the contract.

 

In addition, Hexonia will supply the new foul weather garment worn underneath for the combat clothing set ‘KBS SK’ for the German Armed Forces in the future. Bw Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH awarded the contract for one lot and commissioned Hexonia to manufacture around 16,700 waterproof trousers and 16,700 waterproof jackets, which are to be delivered in the course of 2026. Unlike before, the new items will not be black, but khaki (RAL 7008) in combination with black. Hexonia has been supplying the Bundeswehr with foul weather garment worn underneath as part of the KBS SK since 2020.

 

‘We are delighted and proud that the German Armed Forces continues to place its trust in our products,’ explains Dennis Rechenberger, Director of Business Development at Hexonia GmbH.

Hexonia and NFM successfully started the 2025 trade fair year with a visit to Enforce Tac 2025. At our booth 430 in hall 7, we were able to present various highlights from our four product areas to an international trade audience:

 

 

 

‘THOR Dreadnought’ protective vest system – 360-degree protection concept

 

The THOR Dreadnought protective vest system was specially developed for the requirements of police special forces. With a 360-degree protection concept with soft and hard ballistic protective elements over the entire torso and flanks, the system protects all vital organs and provides optimum freedom of movement.

 

The system offers protection against short-range flames as well as small arms and long weapons in accordance with protection classes SK1, VPAM 6 and VPAM 7. The protective surface around the torso can also be equipped in accordance with protection classes VPAM 9 or NIJ Level IV, depending on requirements. The system can be extended with hard ballistic protective elements for the upper arms, thighs, abdomen and lower body.

 

“Our new THOR Dreadnought protective vest system is characterized above all by the combination of a large protective surface and very good wearing comfort. We have achieved this thanks to the special geometry of the VPAM 6 plates for the side protective surface and the arms, as well as the intelligent overlapping of soft and hard ballistic elements. In addition, we used high-performance materials and manufacturing technologies that enabled us to achieve a particularly low surface weight,” explains Thomas Brahm, Sales Director Hexonia GmbH.

 

 

 

TRIVIUM helmet system – high level of protection, comfort and a stable fit

 

Our TRIVIUM helmet system, which we have been supplying to the Special Forces (KSK) of the German Armed Forces since 2023, was developed to fulfil the requirements for maximum protection without compromising on comfort and mobility. Several functional interfaces on the helmet shell, such as the side rails or a mount for night vision devices, offer a high degree of adaptability for different requirements during operations.

 

Designed for comfort and a stable fit, the helmet has a freely configurable interior to meet the individual needs of the user. This means that wearing comfort can be increased by using a carrying net or padding of different thicknesses. The design of the headband ensures a secure fit, and the adjustment wheel on the headband, which can be operated with gloves, enables the combat helmet to be put on and taken off quickly.

 

 

 

DOKS presented for the first time on a major international stage

 

We presented the Defence Operational Clothing System DOKS to a broad international audience for the first time at Enforce Tac. In addition to its functionality, the modular clothing system impresses above all with its excellent fit for different body shapes and high wearing comfort.

 

See also:

• DOKS – one-year partnership Hexonia and COMMIT – Hexonia GmbH
• Hexonia awarded major European combat clothing contract – Hexonia GmbH

 

 

 

Exceptionally comfortable – our Ballistic Underwear

 

“The special thing about our ballistic underwear is that it is not obviously recognizable as such. It is soft, fits close to the body and is very comfortable to wear against the skin. You wouldn’t expect such a comfortable item of clothing to be able to save lives,” explains Hexonia product developer Eva Goral.

 

The ballistic underwear prevents the smallest fragments thrown up by explosions from penetrating the skin. The high ballistic retention performance and the comfortable feel are achieved on the one hand by a special material mix and on the other hand by the almost seamless production: The absence of seams not only minimizes skin irritation, but also increases explosion protection, as seams are often the weakest points in a protective system.

 

More information: Underwear – Hexonia GmbH

 

Exactly one year ago, Hexonia signed one of the largest contracts for military clothing in Europe with the Defence Operational Clothing System, or DOKS for short.

 

The DOKS project is currently in the verification phase, during which various units of the Dutch Armed Forces, including the army, navy and military police, are testing the clothing system in various operational dimensions. Also the Belgium Navy is testing the clothing system. COMMIT (Commando Materieel en IT of the Dutch Ministry of Defence) is scientifically monitoring the tests, including by surveying the soldiers, in order to gain insights into the optimal design of the clothing system. In addition to field tests in various climate zones, the trials also include tests in a controlled environment, including a size test and a test in which the appearance of the army is assessed. Once the test results have been analyzed, the final design of the clothing system will be determined in the summer.

 

Hexonia increases capacity and is on schedule with project progress

Hexonia was able to deliver the clothing to COMMIT by December, enabling it to start the test phase on time. ‘Delivering the verification sets on time was the most important mile-stone for the project last year. At the same time, we managed to put the project on a solid footing and carefully plan and document processes and measures right from the start – a particular challenge for a project of this size. Fortunately, we have already been able to ex-pand our team excellently and are still in the process of increasing our personnel and pro-duction capacities,’ explains Sabine Albert, Managing Director of Hexonia GmbH. Production at Hexonia is scheduled to start in the summer, with the first clothing items being issued to soldiers planned for the end of the first half of 2026.

 

Advanced clothing system for the Dutch armed forces and Belgium Navy’

DOKS is a modular clothing system developed by Hexonia that consists of over 30 different items. The modular structure of the system enables soldiers to customize their clothing to suit the respective deployment situation. The system includes underwear, insulation layers, weather protection, combat shirts, combat jackets and trousers in various colours and camouflage patterns as well as functional accessories. The layers of clothing in the system are coordinated with each other as well as with the existing protective equipment of the armed forces. DOKS is also characterized by a sizing system developed by Hexonia with up to 35 size gradations, which ensures an optimum fit and good wearing comfort.

 

More information: Hexonia awarded major European combat clothing contract – Hexonia GmbH

 

INTERVIEW WITH TIMO KOENIGS, R&D MANAGER HEAD SYSTEMS at Hexonia GmbH

 

The German market for combat helmets is characterized by strong competition: high-tech companies from Germany, Austria, the USA and Italy are active in this country, placing their helmets and head protection systems in units of the German armed forces and police, constantly offering their customers new product developments. In this specialized environment, it is the challenge of research and development departments to deliver unique sales arguments. High market transparency does not make this task any easier.

 

However, a good product is not only characterized by its technological edge. Other criteria include the quality of the manufacturing process and the availability of the products – as Timo Koenigs, R&D Manager Head Systems at Hexonia GmbH, sees it. With the Trivium, Hexonia has developed a modular helmet system that is ‘Made in Germany’ and has been supplied to the special forces of the German Armed Forces since 2023. Koenigs, who has been working for the Nettetal-based company for over twelve years, has been in charge of building up the company’s helmet division. In this interview, he explains why it is important for him to produce locally and to keep everything in his hands from development to delivery.

 

Mr Koenigs, how do you assess developments in the field of combat helmets?

 

The market is lively when it comes to innovations. We invest a lot in improving our products and offering the market new developments. In addition to the purely protective function, a high level of wearing comfort and a low weight of the helmet play a decisive role. Modern combat helmets are no longer just head protection, they also provide carrying systems for extensive technology and accessories. To be innovative in this area, there are various factors you can adjust, such as the design, the material composition, and the technology used to manufacture the helmet shells. However, in my view, that’s not all that makes a good combat helmet.

 

What else is important?

 

Especially in politically turbulent times like these, in which a change of government in the USA and thus a renewed focus on ‘America First’ is to be expected and China is also flexing its muscles in the direction of Europe, it is particularly important to have an independent production network and short supply chains. We therefore produce our helmet system predominantly in-house at our company site in Nettetal. We only source a few parts from external partners in the local area here in Germany. Our raw materials also come from Germany and Europe.
‘Made in Germany’ is particularly important to us as a supplier in the defence industry because it enables us to guarantee the availability of our products and be a reliable partner for our armed forces.

 

What exactly does the ‘Trivium’ helmet system involve?

 

Trivium has been developed as a fully comprehensive head protection system. In addition to the combat helmet, the system also includes two protective visors, all-round face protection and side protection. A forehead protection plate offers an upgrade of the protection level to VPAM 6 – tested according to VPAM-HVN09. The system is completed by non-ballistic elements such as the carbon training helmet, helmet covers, bags and adapters. We designed the helmet so that all accessories can be combined in a practical way, allowing the protection level to be adjusted individually and without tools to suit the specific situation.

 

The combat helmet has not only been tested for its ballistic retention performance, but also offers impact protection in accordance with EN12492 (mountaineering helmets) or EN397 (industrial helmets). In production, we are flexible with regard to the shape of the shell and can offer the helmet in anything from “Super High-Cut” to “Full-Cut.”

 

By using UHMW polyethylene, we have designed a helmet with a high ballistic retention performance and a low weight at the same time. The low basic weight is particularly important for a helmet system, as the helmet can be further upgraded as required and to prevent injuries to the cervical spine.

 

Last year, Hexonia delivered nearly 3,000 helmet systems to the German special forces. In your opinion, what was the decisive factor for the KSK to place the order?

 

I think we were able to offer a suitable helmet system because we did our homework. Before we started developing helmets, we carefully analyzed the market and identified the key needs of users. We then defined our product strategy and pursued it consistently. Of course, a single product will never be able to fulfil all customer requirements at the same time. It is important to find a good triad of protection level, wearing comfort and cost efficiency.

 

We have manufactured, finished and assembled over 18,000 individual ballistic parts for the KSK. We can currently produce around 8,000 helmets a year in Nettetal. The merger with the NFM Group has increased our production capacity to around 90,000 helmets. NFM also has an extensively equipped laboratory to carry out ballistic tests and accelerate developments.

 

Hexonia has been selected for a significant contract to provide a comprehensive combat clothing system for the Netherlands Armed Forces and the Belgium Navy. The Defence Operational Clothing System (DOKS) represents one of Europe’s most substantial military clothing contracts to date.

 

The DOKS project entrusts Hexonia GmbH with the responsibility to outfit approximately 45,000 soldiers, delivering an integrated combat clothing system that includes more than 30 different items. Yesterday, the signed 8-year framework agreement was handed over in a festive ceremony in Soesterberg, the Netherlands.

 

Special requirements of the DOKS project

 

A key requirement of the DOKS project is the modularity of the clothing system: soldiers should have the opportunity to wear clothing that is customized and adapted to their specific operational situation. It is designed to cover a wide range of activities and environmental factors, thereby protecting them from specific threats while simultaneously enhancing their performance. An important aspect of the project is the extensive involvement of reference groups, which include soldiers from the navy, the army, the air force, and the military police.

 

Advanced clothing system with extensive sizing system

 

The system Hexonia has developed encompasses underwear, insulation layers, weather protection, combat shirts, jackets, and pants in a variety of colours and camouflage patterns, along with functional accessories. These are provided in three distinct clothing sets tailored for different operational contexts. The layers within the system are designed to work seamlessly with each other and with the armed forces’ existing protective gear. Featuring a specially developed sizing system that includes up to 35 size gradations, Hexonia guarantees an optimal fit and good comfort for the wearer.

 

“The high appreciation of our soldiers was decisive in selecting the clothing system of Hexonia”, says Project Lead LTCOL, Bruce Mekking from COMMIT (Commando Materieel en IT of the Dutch Ministry of Defence).

 

Decades of development ensure quality and reliability

 

Quality, durability, and comfort are paramount to Hexonia in the development of combat clothing. For DOKS, the company utilizes high-quality yarns, woven and knitted fabrics developed through extensive research. The production process is predominantly managed by the medium-sized German company: various knitting, cutting, and finishing machines are available across its facilities in Nettetal and Jahnsbach, which span approximately 12,000 square meters. In addition, Hexonia has meticulously established a network of trusted partners, over the years, ensuring quality and the reliability of its production chain. All supplied parts are subjected to strict quality controls in various process stages.

 

“Being trusted by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to equip the Netherlands Armed Forces and the Belgium Navy fills us with pride and is a confirmation of our daily work. We have invested heavily in research work and built-up in-depth expertise in the development of military clothing for more than 20 years. Hexonia has since 2022 been part of NFM Group, and together we are continuously expanding our production and logistics capacities. This makes us a strong and reliable partner in Europe today, and we are confident to create a strong partnership with COMMIT to provide the Dutch soldiers the clothing needed to do their job, regardless mission, and climatic condition they will meet,” says Nils Toverud, Managing Director of Hexonia GmbH.

 

“The DOKS project represents more than a contract; it is a profound responsibility. As we embark on this journey to outfit the Netherlands Armed Forces, we at NFM Group, together with Hexonia GmbH, are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in military apparel. Our collaboration signifies a shared vision for excellence and a safer future for those in service,” says Walter Øverland, CEO NFM Group AS.

Hexonia GmbH continues to grow: after a construction period of around one year, we now have a further 1,800 m² of storage and order picking space at our company site in Nettetal. This not only expands our storage capacity by a further 1,350 storage spaces, but also optimizes quality assurance processes. Following the opening of a 1,600 m² hall in 2021, Hexonia is now expanding its industrial space once again to around 12,000 m² within three years.

 

“The construction of our new logistics hall is proof that we want to remain a strong and reliable partner at the side of the Bundeswehr in the future. With the expansion of our logistics capacities, we have reached another milestone in our contribution to the “Zeitenwende”. We will also continue to invest in our production capacities at the Nettetal site,” explains Hexonia Managing Director Nils Holm Toverud.

Hexonia looks back on successful days at Enforce Tac 2024: Together with the NFM Group team, we presented our four product lines GARM, HJELM, SKJOLD and THOR, which offer a holistic protection package for police and military forces. We always aim to provide users with lightweight and durable equipment for every mission.

 

The focus was on our head protection and clothing systems: the core idea behind our Trivium and 4th Generation HJELM helmets is that they not only protect, but also enable mobility and flexibilty. They are therefore particularly lightweight and can be modularly adapted to the specific situation by integrating technology and camouflage.

 

We have developed our clothing systems in close consultation with users. They are precisely harmonized in all layers of clothing and offer maximum protection and comfort.

 

Further information can be found in our product catalogues:

 

• GARM Combat Clothing System
• HJELM Helmet System
• SKJOLD Body Armor System
• THOR Load Bearing System