Over the past half-century, drone technology has transformed warfare significantly. From the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper strikes in the Middle East to Russia’s Guerlain-3 used in Ukraine, drones are central to modern combat.
A noteworthy trend in drone warfare is the rise of compact first-person drones functioning as Hunter Killers. These drones can carry small munitions or can detonate themselves like modern-day Kamikaze units, instilling fear on the battlefield.
Some videos from the Ukrainian conflict are worth watching—though I wouldn’t really recommend it. They can be pretty intense. In such scenarios, soldiers are eager to secure any edge possible.
One potential advantage is thermal cloak material. Although this technology is still developing, it may be vital in countering the prevalence of small drones in current combat situations.
Advanced thermal cameras can track individuals based on heat signatures, even in ideal conditions. Drones equipped with these cameras have a significant advantage over standard imaging systems. A soldier obscured by heavy foliage might not be visible to a traditional camera, but a thermal camera will pick them up. In response, there’s a rush to create camouflage that can conceal wearers from both thermal and standard cameras.
Thermal cameras essentially work by detecting heat, making warm-blooded humans visible against cooler backgrounds. This also applies to vehicles when positioned correctly. More cutting-edge models can effectively locate people, depending on the scenario.
There are some existing heat shield camouflage solutions. For instance, RELV CAMO offers products featuring several heat-shielding elements, available to NATO forces and U.S. citizens. Their Solar Eclipse Camo Line uses lightweight, non-reflective materials to enhance “battlefield signature management.”
These camouflage fabrics can act like a loose poncho to conceal soldiers. However, the drawback is that any contact with the body allows heat to escape. They work best when loosely draped or suspended to facilitate airflow between the fabric and the person beneath.
While RELV’s solutions are promising, they have limitations. They’re more effective at concealing a sniper’s position than for active soldiers avoiding FPV drones. Companies on both sides of the Ukrainian conflict are pursuing practical uses for thermal cloaking technology.
Ukrainian defense firm Brave1 has been working on a heat shield cloak since 2023, called the PNM-1, designed to insulate a person’s natural heat and minimize their thermal footprint. A representative mentioned that “the masking properties of the cloak last indefinitely if the person moves slowly.” The cloak effectively insulates body heat, though rapid movement creates heat issues. It’s particularly suitable for snipers or scouting units.
On the Russian side, Hiderx, a defense contractor, announced that around 600 camouflage “invisible suits” to obscure silhouettes are in use. Like the Ukrainian version, this technology mainly benefits stationary soldiers moving at a crawl.
Other countries are not standing still in this heat-shield race. Swedish company Saab AB has developed the Barracuda Camouflage System that integrates multiple heat shield elements for vehicles and personnel. The Swedish CV90 infantry combat vehicle using this technology has already been seen in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Fibrotex USA, a subsidiary of Israeli Fibrotex Technologies, has been working on the Night Walker camouflage system since 2016. This system features heat-shielding elements and has contracts with both the U.S. and Israeli military.
All of these systems have shared weaknesses. There’s no perfect answer for soldiers, particularly in terms of evading FPV drones. Drones are increasingly present on the battlefield, and thermal cameras render traditional camouflage less effective. Countries making strides in thermal shielding technology are likely to gain a significant edge in future conflicts.
