Kamuflirovannyi Letnyi Maskirovochnyi Kombinezon Explained

Kamuflirovannyi Letnyi Maskirovochnyi Kombinezon
Origin:Soviet Union
Type:Military camouflage pattern
Service:1968–present
Used By:See Users
Wars:
Design Date:1968
Production Date:1968–present
Variants:See Variants

The Kamuflirovannyy Letniy Maskirovochnyy Kombinezon (ru|Камуфлированный Летний Маскировочный Комбинезон|lit=Camouflaged Summer Disguise Coverall|link=no)[1] or KLMK is a military uniform with a camouflage pattern developed in 1968 by the Soviet Union to overcome the widespread use of night vision optics and devices by NATO countries.[2] This one-piece camouflage coverall became one of the most widely used in the Soviet Union.

, the KLMK two piece camouflage suit is being produced.[2]

History

The KLMK was issued to KGB Border Guards in service dress uniforms. It was later seen with their forces sent to Afghanistan during the Soviet–Afghan War.

Description and versions

Birch camouflage is 2-color design and consists of light angular ("toothed") spots in the shape of leaves on a green-olive background.[3] The standard camouflage pattern exists in two color versions: with spots of light gray color; with spots of yellow-sand color (this version was used mainly by KGB border guards). The background color of both variants is olive, sometimes there are swamp-colored specimens. In any case, the background in this color scheme is always darker than the spots. The spots themselves have "angular" edges consisting of many small squares. The KLMK is made with a digitalized spatter-like pattern.

Variants

KZS Suit

The KZS (Russian: костюм защитный сетчатый or kostium zashchitnoi seti, English: or protective net suit) is a two-piece camouflage suit, designed for use by chemical troops. Made of coarse loose weave cotton fabric (possibly burlap).[1] It was first issued to Soviet chemical troops in 1975[1] and was later widely used by troops from all combat arms, especially during the Afghan war.

The KZS was made to be disposable once used in a chemical environment it cannot be used any longer.

It is also known as the Berezka (birch), Color 57,[4] or serebryanyi list (silver leaf).[5]

Users

Former

Partially-recognized states

References

Works cited

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Trousers, Camouflage, M1975 KZS: Soviet Army. 1 April 2020. 8 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170908033430/http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30089911. live.
  2. Web site: KLMK - the Soviets Did Digital Camouflage First - Soldier Systems Daily. Soldier Systems Daily. 2018-03-01. 28 February 2023. 26 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190926042516/http://soldiersystems.net/2018/03/01/klmk-the-soviets-did-digital-camouflage-first/. live.
  3. Galeotti, Mark (2013). Russian Security and Paramilitary Forces since 1991. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1780961057.
  4. Web site: Russian Camo: What Camouflage Does Russia Use ? . April 2020 . 25 February 2023 . 25 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230225041238/https://kula-tactical.com/what-camo-does-russia-use . live .
  5. Web site: Russia - Camopedia .
  6. Web site: USSR - Camopedia .
  7. Web site: TiltedTowersAfg . 2023-04-08 . A Afghan Commando Paratrooper in a KLMK suit, Democratic Republic Of Afghanistan, 1980s [1364x2048] ]. 2023-06-26 . r/MilitaryPorn.
  8. Web site: 2022-07-24 . General Khushal distributing medals to the members of the Afghan National Guard after the Battle of Jalalabad (1989) [750x749] ]. 2023-06-28 . r/MilitaryPorn.
  9. Web site: Ukrainian M14 Digital Pattern . 5 October 2019 . 28 February 2023 . joint-forces.com . 30 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221130171137/https://www.joint-forces.com/kit-camo/26926-ukrainian-m14-digital-pattern . live .