MTP - The British camouflage pattern

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10.03.2026 / Niels Müller

The Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) is the modern camouflage pattern of the British armed forces and was developed to effectively conceal soldiers in different operational environments. As a versatile digital camouflage pattern, MTP combines elements for woodland, desert and transitional areas and is now one of the best-known military camouflage systems worldwide.

History of the Multi Terrain Pattern

The MTP camouflage pattern was introduced by the British armed forces in the late 2000s. The goal was to replace the older DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material), which had been optimized primarily for European woodland. With increasing overseas deployments—especially in Afghanistan—there was a need for a more flexible camouflage pattern.

The result was the British camouflage pattern MTP, which first entered widespread service in 2010. During development, particular emphasis was placed on creating a pattern that works in as many types of terrain as possible, without having to switch between different uniform types.

Structure and characteristics of MTP

MTP is a multi-terrain camouflage system that combines various color and shape elements to effectively break up the wearer’s outline. Typical features of the pattern are:

coordinated shades of brown, sand and green
organic-looking, soft transitions
optimized performance in mixed terrain
reduced silhouette at medium distance

In contrast to purely digital pixel patterns, MTP camouflage uses a hybrid structure that provides good concealment both at close range and at a distance.

Areas of application for the MTP camouflage pattern

The MTP camouflage pattern is now used as standard by the British armed forces, including:

British Army
Royal Marines
other supporting units

Its strength lies in its versatility. The pattern works particularly well in:

dry transition zones
lightly wooded regions
steppe-like landscapes
arid deployment areas such as Afghanistan

Thanks to this multi-terrain approach, soldiers need to switch between different camouflage patterns far less often.

Differences from older British camouflage patterns

Before the introduction of MTP, the British armed forces mainly used the DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) camouflage pattern. This was highly optimized for European woodland areas and used comparatively large color blocks. However, in dry or desert-like regions, DPM showed clear weaknesses and offered only limited camouflage performance there.

A brief look back into the past

1960s

Introduction of DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) for European woodland areas. It is used primarily in the United Kingdom and Germany.

1990s

DPM is increasingly used in foreign deployments, for example in early missions in desert and transitional regions.

2000s

Demand for a versatile camouflage pattern increases. Development of the Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) begins.

2010

Broad introduction of MTP in the British Army. MTP replaces DPM in modern overseas deployments.

Today

MTP is the standard camouflage of the British Army & Royal Marines and is used worldwide in various types of terrain.

Final thoughts on MTP

The Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) is a consistent further development of British military camouflage. It combines digital and organic color structures and enables soldiers to achieve flexible camouflage in a wide variety of operational environments. Thanks to its versatility, troops need to switch between different uniforms less often, which simplifies logistics and increases operational readiness. In addition, MTP ensures that soldiers are equally well camouflaged in different climate zones and types of terrain, thereby improving safety on missions.

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Everything you need to know about MTP

What advantages does MTP offer compared to other camouflage patterns?

MTP combines camouflage for woodland, desert and transitional areas in a single pattern. This means soldiers need to switch between different uniforms less often, and the camouflage works more effectively in a wide range of operational environments.

Is MTP only available to the British armed forces?

MTP is the standard camouflage pattern of the British armed forces, but is also used by other countries as a model or in special cooperation projects.

How does MTP differ from classic digital camouflage patterns?

MTP combines digital elements with organic-looking color areas. This makes it effective at both short and medium distances without the typical “pixel” outlines of purely digital patterns.

In which deployments has MTP demonstrated its strengths?

Especially on overseas deployments in Afghanistan and similar arid, steppe-like or transitional regions, MTP was able to significantly improve camouflage effectiveness.

Are there different versions of MTP for different units?

The standard version is used by the British Army and the Royal Marines, but minor adjustments can be made for special forces or specific missions.