A Ukrainian field reserve commander, using the online handle Tatarigami, recently disclosed that Russian forces in the Donetsk region have been utilizing anti-thermal suits to evade detection by thermal cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Ukrainian troops have observed Russian Sabotage groups (DRGs) donning these specialized suits, while pro-Russian chat rooms have been buzzing about the technology, according to en.defense.-ua.com.
In a years-old YouTube video, Brandon Smith, a "survivalist" from alt-market.com with ties to the Oath Keepers, discusses creating a similar suit designed to help US citizens avoid drones. The suit claims to reduce the wearer's thermal signature by 90%. While the video shares information on the suit's design, Smith had planned to sell it through Snakebite Tactical.
Although not a novel technology, this development underscores the Russian military's adaptability. Understanding the Russian military's capabilities will aid Ukrainians in devising countermeasures. These camouflaged jackets or blankets resemble standard military gear but feature a metallic plastic lining akin to the material found in survival blankets.
MSN.com highlights that, as per Ukrainian troops in the region, these metallic-lined ponchos are primarily employed by small sniper and sabotage units to evade thermal imaging cameras and reconnaissance drones. A recent YouTube video demonstrates the effectiveness of these suits in shielding wearers from thermal sensors.
Tatarigami notes that it is uncertain whether the Russians can mass-produce these anti-thermal suits. However, he emphasizes that even if they are limited to small groups or sniper teams, the suits still present a considerable threat to Ukrainian forces.
Vladimir Kormushin, CEO of Russian company CJSC Cuirass, confirmed in an interview with state-owned RIA Novosti that his firm is developing a more advanced technology using a unique blend of special fabrics and dyes to render soldiers invisible. CJSC Cuirass is a leading Russian developer and manufacturer of personal armor protection and individual combat gear for the Russian Ministry of Defense, Federal Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies.