Israel military's camouflage tech makes soldiers go virtually ‘invisible’

Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) and an Israel-based survivability technology company Polaris Solutions have developed a new 3D camouflage technology ‘ Kit 300’ that potentially makes soldiers invisible during covert military operations. company was founded by two former Israeli soldiers to enhance battlefield survivability during complex warfare that lets military troops get as close to target as possible without detection. 

kit can imitate any 3D object in Area of Responsibility (AOR) to conceal soldiers for operational effectiveness, and information is n transmitted by sensors to military’s tactical commander. fabric see-through and wearproof sensors, however, need to be concealed from enemy but comes with a “special cover” that can reduce detectability at approximately 1m range from enemy target, according to Polaris Solutions.

rmal visual concealment material is designed out of metals, microfibres, and polymers that easily mold with surrounding environment making it harder and challenging for those wearing it to be seen by both human eye and rmal imaging equipment, company said. 

[Credit: Polaris Solutions]

An enemy staring at m [military troops] with binoculars from afar will not be able to see m, Gal Harari, he of detectors and imaging technology branch of MoD's research and development unit reportedly said. 

'Fully mouldable' camouflage equipment

Tested by Israel Defense Forces (IDF), multispectral sheet that weighs up to 500 grams is “fully mouldable” and folded back into a 2D form. “It provides an vantage of surprise while degring ability of enemy ambushers,” company explained. It is printed to resemble on each side to colouration of specific AOR for ease of conducting missions for armed forces in volatile regions by quickly tailoring into surrounding objects such as a large boulder, forests, or muddy grounds. Interestingly, soldiers can also hide ir weapons, backpacks, and or military gears inside a panel provided with state-of--art concealment kit while closing in on target. It also comes with a Sniper cover and a special ‘Raid Camo Suit’. 

[Credit: Polaris Solutions]

“A successful military raid is all about engaging and disengaging safely in sensor saturated environment, without being compromised,” firm said. lightweight modular raid suit, it ded, lets soldiers move through risky areas without being detected. This also comes in a separate “foliage” pattern and “sniper canopy” that allows military troops to conceal mselves basis region of operation. This technique allows military for “position concealment” during urban warfare or open fields where soldiers are required to do rapid position changes to attack enemy. 

[Credit: Polaris Solutions]

Meanwhile, a tactical helmet gives a he silhouette to escape situations that are life-threatening such as a bullet, and counter-tracking shoes in kit leave as minimal tracks as possible behind in enemy territory. This also makes it hard for soldiers to be tracked as it does not create impressions normally left by military boots. Soldiers also tested a ‘Rajuka’ mask which appears like a balaclava and an ultralight poncho to go undetected during extreme activities which can be used by both military and police officers for maneuverability and comfort during operations. 

idea of equipment was first pondered during 2006 Second Lebanon War by special IDF unit soldier and Polaris Solutions co-founder Asaf Picciotto who recognized firsthand that soldiers on ground required better protection from enemies. firm hequartered in Israeli port city of Caesarea has now registered for a patent on equipment in many countries around world. equipment was created with expertise of several former IDF soldiers with special forces training.