MIL-STD packaging requires proven protection in demanding conditions. Faes translates the requirements into a tested and documented custom solution. This keeps mission-critical equipment protected during transport and storage.
Summary of this article
Mission-critical equipment doesn't get a second chance. If a drone, communication system, or sensitive military device is damaged in transit, the consequences are felt immediately in the field.
Standard packaging doesn't offer that assurance. For that, you need a MIL-STD packaging solution that demonstrably meets military standards.
Standard industrial packaging protects products under normal conditions. MIL-STD packaging must perform under extreme conditions where standard packaging simply fails.
The difference isn’t just about material thickness or structural strength. It’s about a systematic approach in which protection is demonstrably verified through standardized test protocols and documentation.
What concretely sets MIL-STD packaging apart:
In short: standard packaging protects. MIL-STD packaging proves that it protects.
MIL-STD stands for Military Standard — a set of specifications developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and applied worldwide. The most relevant standard for packaging is MIL-STD-2073, which defines the standard practice for military packaging methods.
In addition to this standard, supplementary specifications govern how packaging is tested and evaluated:
In Europe, additional standards also apply, including NEN standards and UN certifications, depending on the type of cargo and the transport route.
The exact requirements depend on the item being packaged, the mode of transport (air, sea, land), and the intended operational use. That makes custom solutions not a luxury, but a necessity.
Packaging that claims MIL-STD compliance without test results to back it up is worthless. The test procedures are the foundation of certification.
Standard test procedures for MIL-STD packaging include:
All tests are conducted according to standardized protocols, ensuring that results are reproducible and comparable. The test results form the basis of the technical documentation that accompanies the packaging.
Without that documentation, you cannot demonstrate compliance during an audit or procurement process.
Faes has worked for years as a packaging partner for defense organizations, military technology suppliers, and security institutions. That experience translates into a structured development process that starts with the technical requirements of your equipment.
The MIL-STD packaging development process at Faes:
Faes combines more than 35 years of expertise with a sustainable approach. Packaging is designed for reuse and repairability, consistent with the circular logistics principles that an increasing number of defense organizations are pursuing.
Do you know what you need? Or do you still have questions about which standards apply to your situation? Faes.nl is here to help, from the initial intake through to certified packaging.
What you can expect when you get in touch:
Faes specializes in packaging for the defense sector and understands the critical demands of mission-critical equipment — from a single transport case to a complete packaging solution for an entire drone fleet.
Get in touch and discuss your packaging challenge directly with a specialist.
Michel Prins is Account Manager at Faes and a specialist in Safety & Security. Thanks to his background at the Ministry of Defense and years of experience in the sector, he advises organizations on reliable packaging solutions for critical applications. He combines practical knowledge with technical expertise to package sensitive equipment safely and efficiently.
More articles by Michel PrinsGood packaging doesn’t just happen by chance. Using a tried-and-tested approach, our specialists guide you step by step from the initial idea to the finished product.
