Russia has initiated the large-scale production of cutting-edge camouflage “invisibility suits” to counter the surveillance abilities of FPV drones equipped with thermal imaging technology.
The production of these suits, which blur the wearer’s silhouette in the infrared spectrum, was announced by HiderX, the Russian developer company, to state-owned news agency TASS.
These advanced camouflage suits have entered serial production with an estimated output of 600 units per month. The demand for such equipment in Ukraine is reported to be exceptionally high.
The suits are crucial for night operations, enabling soldiers to move undetected and complete rotations without being exposed to enemy surveillance.
The Russian company said that the need for these invisibility suits is driven by the widespread use of FPV drones by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, most of which are equipped with thermal imagers.
These drones detect targets based on their thermal signatures, which become visible in 100-200 meters. The drones then autonomously lock onto the target. “There are also huge deliveries of night vision cameras with thermal imagers,” HiderX emphasized.
These technologies have posed a significant challenge for Russian troops, necessitating the development of effective countermeasures. Nonetheless, additional camouflage suits are still required along the lengthy 1,000 km line of contact.
This scarcity often forces Russian servicemen to share suits among themselves. For instance, it is common for a group of soldiers to rotate using the same kit, with one member returning and handing over the camouflage suit to another.
The effectiveness of these suits is attributed to the special treatment of the material and a unique pattern composed of broken lines. Depending on the size, the weight of the suits ranges from 280 to 400 grams, making them lightweight and practical for combat scenarios.
As the conflict continues, introducing these invisibility suits marks a key step in Russia’s efforts to enhance its troops’ survivability and operational effectiveness.
These suits aim to provide a tactical advantage in ongoing military operations by addressing the threats posed by advanced surveillance technologies.
‘Invisibility Suit’ For Soldiers On Ground
Over the past two years, the prolonged conflict in Ukraine has catalyzed significant innovations within the military establishments of Moscow and Kyiv. These innovations span various fields, from advancements in drone technology to specialized survival gear, reflecting a continuous effort to gain a tactical edge.
One of the most notable developments from both sides is the creation of modern camouflage suits designed to effectively conceal the wearer’s body heat.