A 10th infantry regiment of the French army will be using integrated individual soldier kits early next year.

The kits, known by the French initials FELIN, include protective vest, combat uniform, NBC protective clothing, day- and night-capable firing sights and observation equipment.

Individual radio, and information-sharing equipment, as well as individual and squad weapons, are part of the equipment suite, the French defense procurement agency DGA reported.

"FELIN provides a quantum leap in terms of operational effectiveness and ballistic protection of combat troops, as confirmed by its initial deployments on operational theaters," DGA said. "The weapon sights, completely redesigned, make it easier to neutralize enemy combatants by day and night; and the effective range of the FAMAS automatic rifle is substantially extended.

"FELIN also greatly enhances infantrymen's ability to deploy and fight thanks to its increased observation and geo-location capabilities. Finally, FELIN's information system facilitates the integration of battle groups in the digital chain of command. It gives infantrymen a real network-enabled combat capability."

Production of the kits involves companies such as Sagem, Nexter, Thales, Renault Trucks Defense, ELNO, MSA Gallet and others.

DGA said that as of the end of November, it had received 10,170 FELIN kits and future deliveries will allow the equipping of four additional regiments per year until 2015.