5.08.2025
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced the approval of a new camouflage for the Armed Forces, similar to the popular “multicam.” Some understood this statement as a rejection of the “pixel” that Ukrainian soldiers have been using since 2014.
However, in reality the situation is somewhat more complicated. What are the main differences between “pixel” and “multicam” and what does the ministry’s decision provide for, read in the OBOZ.UA article.
Will the “pixel” remain in the army?
On August 5, the Ministry of Defense explained that the familiar “pixel” will remain in the army, but the MM-25 camouflage (“camouflage pattern 2025”) will be additionally approved – very similar to Multicam.
The decision was driven by requests from the military themselves, who carry out combat missions and already use a similar pattern.
Until now, the only option for them was to buy such equipment themselves, the department says.
The first tenders for the purchase of a trial batch of products in new colors have already been announced. Deliveries of 20,000 units are planned for 2025.
“For now, there is no talk of completely replacing the current MM-14 (“pixel”) pattern with MM-25. The new pattern is considered an additional pattern, similar to the already approved options – “olive”, “coyote” or MM-16F,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
It is also noted that the introduction of MM-25 will contribute to greater flexibility in providing the military, as well as expand opportunities for manufacturers who already have technological solutions for printing and sewing.
“Our goal is for the military to receive clothing that meets their real needs, and for manufacturers to be able to fulfill these orders with high quality,” said Nikita Chichkan, director of the clothing program at the State Logistics Operator.
What are the advantages of “pixel” and “multicam”
Both “Pixel” and “Multicam” were developed taking into account real combat experience. Therefore, the main difference is in the terrain on which camouflage is best used.
“Pixel” is considered to be particularly effective over long distances and in urban areas.
“Multicam” in turn is known as a more universal camouflage, which easily adapts to a variety of terrain.
It is ideal for use in forests, deserts, mountains and is recommended for use in close proximity to the enemy.
“Multicam” will be the best option if the unit is constantly moving and the landscape around is changing.
Multicam – an element of status
The head of the Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense, former defense attorney Yuriy Gudimenko, says he is surprised by such a “resonance” around this topic.
According to him, over the past year and a half, special forces units, in particular the Main Intelligence Directorate, have been sending requests to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the ministry to issue the “Multicam” uniform, which they use when performing tasks, but until now they have been forced to purchase it at their own expense.
“We are talking about the fact that at this stage there is now an opportunity for individual special forces, at the request of the General Staff, to purchase uniforms with a pattern not of the MM-14 “pixel”, but of the MM-25, which is called “multicam”, although it is not exactly that,” Gudimenko told the BBC.
He added that it is extremely difficult to compare these two camouflage patterns – everything depends on the quality of the fabric, combat conditions, and so on.
“For special forces, this is both an element of protection and an element of status, I can say this because I am a former military man myself. Like: regular ground troops wear a pixel, and special forces wear a “multicam”. This is at the front. This is an important element for identifying special forces,” says Gudimenko.
History of the “pixel” in Ukraine
In 2014, the Ukrainian army received its own camouflage to replace the Soviet “oak” – “Pixel”, created on the model of Western armies.
Officially it is called MM-14, sometimes it is called “Porokh-1”.
Instead of blurry green-brown spots, the MM-14 consists of pixelated squares in dark marsh green, gray-green, dark gray, and light green. For the Navy, the “pixel” had blue hues.
This camouflage should “blur” the silhouette of a soldier at all distances and make it difficult for the enemy to detect him even through night vision devices.
“Pixel” is designed to camouflage military personnel both in urban areas and in forest and steppe conditions.
History of “Multicam”
The “Multicam” camouflage was created in 2002 by the American company Crye Precision together with the research center US Army Soldier Systems Center. Spots of seven colors provide effective camouflage in various types of terrain and in different lighting conditions.
“Multicam” has found wide application not only among the US military – it has been used as the basis for official military uniforms of Great Britain, Australia, Hungary, the USA, France and the German Bundeswehr.
Previously, in Ukraine, “Multicam” was used to sew uniforms for peacekeeping special forces that were sent to Afghanistan, North Africa and Iraq.
What came before
A message about a new camouflage pattern called “MM-25” appeared on July 29 on the website of the Central Directorate for the Development of Material Support of the Ministry of Defense .
This unit is engaged in the development and implementation of military symbols, dry rations and new types of clothing, including uniforms.
On the website of the “Partner MOU” department, information appeared that the new camouflage should gradually replace the “pixel”.
Therefore, the Internet began to discuss the fate of the already familiar “pixel” for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As OBOZ.UA wrote, the Ministry of Defense previously explained how military symbols are created. The sleeve insignia of military units, brigades, battalions and other subdivisions have not only practical significance, but also an important ideological and identification load, especially in the conditions of a full-scale war, the ministry says.
BTW, my favorite camouflage pattern is the Vietnam era Tiger Stripe (Advisor’s Type Dense).
That is really cool. Most of what I have is DPM Woodland or some realtree variants.
Woodland is quite effective. 👍