The battlefield is evolving rapidly, and with drones becoming increasingly prevalent, the way soldiers protect themselves has had to adapt. Drones, with their high-definition cameras and heat-seeking sensors, have transformed how warfare is conducted, particularly in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. To counter this new threat, the concept of anti-drone “invisibility cloaks,” originally developed in Ukraine, is gaining traction.
The drone threat on the battlefield
Drones have become a game changer in modern warfare, especially in the Ukraine conflict, where both sides rely heavily on UAS for reconnaissance and attack missions. Russian quadcopters and other UAS often carry high-tech sensors, thermal imaging and cameras, allowing them to spot troops from afar. As a result, Ukrainian forces face constant surveillance and attacks from above, requiring new methods to evade detection and protect soldiers in the field.
Drones can not only locate enemy positions but can also carry deadly payloads, further increasing the threat to troops on the ground. UAS have played a significant role in identifying targets for artillery strikes and launching attacks themselves. This has spurred innovations like anti-drone suits, also dubbed “invisibility cloaks,” designed to reduce visibility to drones and their advanced detection systems.
Anti-drone camouflage
In response to the increasing use of drones, Ukrainian soldiers have begun adopting new types of camouflage—most notably the anti-drone suit, known as “Phantom Skin.” This suit is designed to shield soldiers from detection by the cameras and thermal sensors that drones often use to identify targets. Phantom Skin and similar garments aim to blend soldiers into their surroundings and reduce the infrared signature that thermal sensors pick up.
Aside from traditional optical camouflage, thermal camouflage materials help soldiers remain undetected by thermal imaging cameras installed on surveillance drones.
The anti-drone suits are not just a gimmick, they are fast becoming essential equipment for soldiers after initially being developed specifically to combat the dangers posed by Russian quadcopters. Ukrainian soldiers have already begun using them in real combat scenarios, where the suits have demonstrated their value by reducing the likelihood of being targeted .
The “Phantom Skin” suit was originally designed by a materials scientist from Bucha, Ukraine, following the traumatic events of the Russian invasion, including the Bucha massacre. The suit is now produced for the Ukrainian Military by Intermat Group SA a specialist in stealth technology coatings.
Other companies have since adopted the approach, such as Miranda Military, a Polish company specialising in multispectral camouflage systems. Their “anti-drone poncho” provides a shield against drones’ visual and thermal imaging systems. This wearable technology is lightweight and portable, ensuring that soldiers can maintain their agility while staying hidden from UAS. The poncho can be easily packed away when not in use, adding to its practicality in combat situations.
Challenges and the future of camouflage
While the technology behind anti-drone suits is promising, challenges remain. No system is perfect, and the effectiveness of these suits may depend on various factors, including the type of drone being used and the environment in which soldiers operate. As drone technology evolves, anti-drone measures will also need to advance to stay effective, it is a constant battle of technology innovation.
Anti-drone camouflage will become more sophisticated, particularly in light of the lessons that will be learned from their deployment in Ukraine. As conflicts continue to become more drone-intensive, such innovations will be crucial for troop safety.
Camouflage suit with protection against detection by heat-vision devices from the Israeli company Polaris Solutions
