A video published by Ukraine 63rd brigade displays so-called Russian “invisibility” cloaks, designed to deceive thermal imagingby failing to provide sufficient concealment, allowing the soldiers involved to be detected and attacked with targeted munitions drops from Ukraine. drones.

“Turtles? Zombies? North Korean special forces? No, these are Russians who still believe in the magical power of their anti-drone raincoats,” the video caption reads.

Kyiv Post could not independently verify the timing or location of the images, which are said to capture thermal images acquired by drones that reveal poorly camouflaged soldiers. The Ukrainian drones then proceed to drop munitions on the identified Russian personnel, likely causing significant casualties.

As thermal imaging devices become cheaper and more accessible, both Ukraine and Russia are increasingly using them to detect hidden opposition forces.

In spring 2023, Defense Express reported that Russian soldiers were wearing raincoats with heat-insulating linings in an attempt to reduce their visibility to thermal imaging cameras. One manufacturer reportedly offered these capes for $47, although others were priced in the hundreds of dollars.

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Photo: Examples of Russian thermal camouflage suits.

Defense Express said the capes use a multi-layer fabric designed to retain body heat without creating strong thermal contrasts. However, heat dissipation is still an issue.

Ukrainian officer Tatarigami posted on X (formerly Twitter) in April 2023 that some Russian troops captured or found dead near Avdiivka, Donetsk, were wearing similar heat-insulating layers.

At the end of February, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that it was developing its own anti-thermal image poncho to help Ukrainian troops evade detection using night vision systems and infrared (IR) guidance systems.

According to the ministry, five samples of IR camouflage fabrics were being tested at the Central Department of Materials Development and Support, focusing on absorbing infrared radiation and minimizing thermal conductivity.

According to the report, the poncho material had to be flexible, weather resistant, UV protected and effective on various terrains.

Last October, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fyodorov introduced a similar “invisibility cloak” for the Armed Forces, intended to protect against Russian thermal imaging devices. Compact and weighing less than 2.5 kg, it resists rain, snow, fire and high temperatures.

In a demonstration video, thermal images showed the effectiveness of the poncho with three figures, one apparently wrapped in a cloak, demonstrating reduced visibility.

Kyiv Post military analysts noted that some outline visibility was maintained, but the poncho significantly reduced detectability compared to regular uniforms, complicating detection against lower-quality thermal imaging cameras common in the field.