M04 Desert Camo

Just like us, the Finnish Defence Forces have become more and more international. This was evident when the FDF began developing their new camo patterns and fatigues in the early 2000s. The first thing they implemented was a brand new pattern designed for arid and desert environments! Hint: we really don't have any deserts here in Finland.

Finland’s participation in the UN peacekeeping mission at the border of Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000 made their own desert fatigues the priority. The first prototype camouflage pattern to see use was the K2004, which was deployed in 2003. The first models had a rather thick twill cloth but later models switched to lighter ripstop fabrics and eventually evolved into the official M04 Hot Weather Uniform.

Unlike the FDF, we at Varusteleka started developing our take on the M05 Clothing System in a different order: we started with woodland and winter models more appropriate for the Finnish climate. Now that we have those aspects covered we've finally developed our own versions for the arid and desert climates. Lo, behold, and witness: Särmä TST and the M04 Desert Camo!