Putin Moves to Ban Foreign Military Uniforms by 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a decree that bans the procurement of foreign-made clothing and related gear for the country’s armed forces starting in 2026.

The move comes as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, especially in critical sectors like defence.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces must source all uniforms, boots, underwear, insignia, and other clothing items exclusively from companies operating inside Russia.

These companies must own manufacturing facilities located within the country.

Furthermore, by 2027, the Kremlin will extend this requirement to include fabrics and knitted materials used in making military clothing.

This means that local factories must not only assemble the gear but also produce the raw materials domestically.

Officials believe this two-stage process will give the local textile industry enough time to scale up production and meet the military’s high standards.

The decree outlines a complete ban on purchasing any foreign-made clothing or materials for the army.

Putin and his defence advisers argue that this policy will safeguard national security, create more jobs in the domestic textile sector, and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions caused by sanctions or geopolitical tensions.

Military clothing and gear covered under the policy include a wide range of items: uniforms, special protective clothing, footwear, bedding, sanitary items, and related accessories.

The Ministry of Defence will continue to procure these supplies through the state defence order system, but only from approved Russian producers.

Transitioning to full domestic production will require significant investment.

Russian textile factories will need to expand capacity, modernise equipment, and train workers to meet the volume and quality demands of the armed forces.

The government is expected to introduce subsidies, tax incentives, and special contracts to help manufacturers adapt.

Additionally, the policy reflects Russia’s ongoing push for self-reliance in the face of Western sanctions.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Moscow has increased restrictions on foreign imports in strategic industries, including defence, technology, and food production.

Officials say the new military clothing ban builds on this trend and sends a clear message about prioritising local capability over foreign dependency.

Analysts predict that the decision could boost the Russian textile sector in the short term but also warn that achieving high-quality production across the board will be challenging.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin insists that local manufacturers can rise to the occasion and supply the armed forces without compromising on durability or performance.

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