Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree mandating a complete ban on the procurement of foreign-made clothing and gear for the country’s armed forces, beginning in 2026.
Under the directive, effective January 1, 2026, all uniforms, footwear, insignia, underwear, bedding, special equipment, and other related supplies for the Russian military must be produced by companies operating manufacturing facilities inside Russia.
The move will tighten further in 2027, when fabrics and knitted materials used in making the clothing will also be required to be domestically manufactured, effectively removing any foreign-sourced textiles from the supply chain.
According to the Kremlin, the decree aims to fully eliminate reliance on imported clothing and materials for military needs, ensuring that all such items are sourced through Russia’s state defence procurement system.
Officials say the measure is part of Moscow’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic production capacity, bolster economic self-reliance, and secure supply lines for the armed forces amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
