TenCate Protective Fabrics has been chosen by the Colombian Army Aviation Air Assault Division to deliver TenCate Defender M as the fabric of choice that will be used to manufacture new, two-piece flight suits for its personnel.

This adoption represents the first major opportunity for TenCate Protective Fabrics to supply fabric to the Colombian Military and to establish TenCate Defender M as a viable flame resistant (FR) fabric for military solutions in South America.

The TenCate Defender M product portfolio has established a reputation for protection and durability in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan by supplying all deployed American troops with FR combat uniforms. Many European and other armies around the world have performed wear tests and have subsequently ordered TenCate Defender M products to protect their military. 

Fabric innovation in action

Engineered as a versatile and comprehensive FR fabric, TenCate Defender M offers a variety of styles and features that satisfy a wide range of applications. The best option for use in the Colombian Army Aviation Air Assault Division flight suits emerged as TenCate Defender M 6.5 ounce (per yard²) in a rip stop weave with anti-static properties in the Colombian Jungle Camouflage print. The Air Assault Division found this version of TenCate Defender M best suited to its FR and tactical needs.

Supply chain management

TenCate Protective Fabrics USA partnered with Complementos Industriales Ltda. in Cartegena, Colombia, to arrange the shipment of approximately 50,000 yards of fabric for use in the manufacture of the flight suits. TenCate Defense and Tactical Market Manager, John Blackmon, says: “Complementos Industriales have been a huge resource in this effort. The manufacture of the flight suits will be overseen by the Brigada de Apoyo Logístico and the actual production will be conducted by the Batallón de Intendencia, also known as Las Juanas, which handles textile operations for the Colombian Military”.

Continued expansion

TenCate Protective Fabrics looks forward to continued success in protecting militaries around the world. Military Market Manager, Franklin Massey, who spear-headed the effort with John Blackmon, says: “We are happy to offer TenCate Defender M to the Colombian military and we hope that we can supply them with the full range of FR protection”.