Russian cloaks fail against Ukrainian thermal drone tactics

Both Moscow and Kyiv are striving to outsmart their opponents using modern camouflage technologies. One surprising aspect of this rivalry is the use of so-called invisibility cloaks—specialized outfits meant to confuse thermal imaging systems and reconnaissance drones.

A company collaborating with the Russian defense industry developed lightweight, multi-layer suits intended to distort a soldier’s thermal signature, making them harder for the enemy to detect. However, as "The Telegraph" reports, there may have been an error in the construction of this technology.

This issue, combined with a lack of proper training, renders Russian soldiers visible to Ukrainian drones equipped with thermal cameras. The sensors in the suits do not effectively mask their heat, making them conspicuous and thus easy targets for precise attacks.

In a recording shared by the Ukrainian 63rd Motorized Infantry Brigade, it is evident that the invisibility cloaks worn by the Russians are insufficient or are being used in a manner that is not recommended by the manufacturer.

In practice, they should look entirely different on cameras, remaining undetectable by infrared sensors. The cloak material should limit heat emission so that soldiers do not "glow" on the thermal camera screen.

The cost of one such cloak varies depending on the technology and manufacturer, but it is estimated to be from several thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars. The exact price is often not disclosed due to military secrecy.

Each side of the conflict in Ukraine conducts independent research and develops technologies to achieve even greater "invisibility" for soldiers on the front line, using various materials.