NATO COLOUR CODES

Colours which denote a munition filling or function are known as `significant', while
background colours are termed `non-significant'. Significant colours may appear as the
overall munition colour, in hazard bands or stencilled markings, and can be used in
combination. Certain colours can be either significant or non-significant, depending on
the munition type (see tables).

The following colour codes are currently in use throughout NATO for ammunition above
30 mm calibre. For colour codes relating to ammunition of 30 mm calibre and below, see
the following entry.

SIGNIFICANT COLOURS

Colour Filling / purpose Notes

White Illuminating Including coloured lights

Sometimes non-significant; see table below

Grey Chemical agent May also include riot agents.

Sometimes non-significant; see table below

Silver Countermeasures Such as chaff and propaganda

Non-significant if unpainted metal

Black Armour-defeating Sometimes non-significant; see table below

Brown Low explosive Including Black Powder (gunpowder)

Bright red Incendiary May include liquids and gels

Dark red Riot control agent

Yellow High explosive

Light green Smoke/screening

Blue Practice/training May have additional bands to denote explosive content

Violet Incapacitating agent

(band)
Violet Experimental
(stripes)

NON-SIGNIFICANT COLOURS

Colour Notes

White Generally, non-significant as markings, on underwater munitions, missiles, rockets

and dispensers

Grey Generally, non-significant on underwater munitions, missiles, rockets and dispensers

Dark grey Always non-significant

Black Generally, non-significant as markings

Deep bronze green Always non-significant

Green, infra-red Always non-significant

reflective

Olive drab Always non-significant

Unpainted Always non-significant