Multi-spectral fabric to shield soldiers from thermal imagers, radars in extreme altitudes

With battlefield surveillance becoming increasingly technology-driven and automated, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a project to develop special fabric for soldiers that would shield them from surveillance by thermal imagers in snow-bound terrain and high altitude areas.

Referred to as multi-functional conductive fabric, it is being designed for protection against multi-spectral emissions such as thermal cameras, infrared radiation and other electro-magnetic radiations.

The special materials embedded in the fabric will help absorb or scatter radio and electromagnetic waves and mimic the natural environment’s spectral signatures, making the wearer harder to spot.

Earlier this month, the DRDO invited the industry to partner in the project, which is being executed by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a DRDO laboratory engaged in research in soldier support and protective systems to enhance performance in extreme climatic conditions.

As part of the project, an outermost layer consisting of a poncho having anti-thermal characteristics will be developed along with other items and ensembles that can be used as part of winter clothing in the plains also.

Scientists said that the material is being developed specifically for extreme altitudes, where the temperature differential between the human body and the surrounding environment is considerable. Also, the nuances of camouflage in stark, barren, snow-bound areas are different from those in the plains, forests or deserts.

Apart from traditional eyeball tactical surveillance, small drones as well as ground-based platforms equipped with sophisticated sensors and imaging equipment are being increasingly used to detect, pinpoint and identify troops, defences and equipment.

Using natural cover like vegetation, undulating terrain, ditches and boulders to block the line-of-sight for IR and radar sensors, and using decoys and deception to hostile mislead sensors are traditional means to counter electromagnetic surveillance.

A lot of research is underway globally in this field. Different types of multi-spectral material have been developed by some foreign countries that are being used by their militaries. This includes garments for personal wear as well as nets for protecting vehicles and structures, sources said.

Some firms in India have also developed multi-spectral camouflage nets for use in different terrains which have been procured by the Armed Forces to provide protection against visible as well as electromagnetic surveillance.

Besides snow and blizzards, the material being developed by DRDO would also have applications in rainy weather at different altitudes and in operations requiring long term use of protective clothing.