The New Zealand Defence Force's new combat uniforms and weapons are being put to the test in a four-day urban warfare exercise.

Soldiers are trying out the new multi-terrain camouflage uniforms, and using recently purchased light support machine guns, while testing urban combat tactics at Rotorua's Army's combat school. The new weapon gives soldiers a higher level of capability and replaces the old 5.56mm C9 light machine gun.

The army has 600 of the new guns, at around $15,000 per weapon, and a total budget of $16 million.

New technology in fabric, design and camouflage gives soldiers a new level of comfort and protection in the field and will be rolled out to all army personnel.

The new camouflage pattern is for use across a number of environments and is made from a layered system, 70 per cent constructed in New Zealand.

The combat school prepares the army's infantry and armoured corps personnel with the leadership skills, tactics, techniques and procedures to command military platoons in combat.

- © Fairfax NZ News