Russian Invisibility Cloaks: Optical Illusion or Deadly Trap?

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On today’s battlefield, camouflage is no longer just about clothing — it’s a sophisticated technological struggle waged across infrared and thermal spectrums.

In an effort to minimize casualties, Russia has turned to so-called “invisibility cloaks” to defend against Ukrainian drones. However, what was designed to shield troops often turns into a visual trap, exposing rather than hiding them.

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As reported by The Telegraph, the clothing worn by Russian soldiers to conceal their body heat may actually make them easier for Ukrainian forces to detect. These troops are equipped with coats and blankets intended to block thermal imaging and night-vision technology.

The concept is to mask body heat, making it harder for surveillance systems to locate soldiers. But paradoxically, these cloaks often create cool patches in otherwise warmer environments — bold, dark shapes that become easy targets for Ukraine.

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According to former British Army colonel and chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon: “This is not an invisibility cloak. In fact, due to the contrast it creates, it makes them more detectable.”

Ukrainian drones — often operated by special forces or intelligence units — combine thermal imaging with real-time targeting systems, enabling precise nighttime strikes against hidden or camouflaged Russian positions.

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The Lyman Incident

Video footage from Lyman earlier this week shows Russian soldiers standing still as Ukrainian drones fly low behind them. Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the footage.

The troops moved toward areas controlled by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, wearing the cloaks draped over their shoulders, before being hit by a swarm of FPV drones.

Nick Reynolds, ground warfare expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said the soldiers’ apparent failure to understand how to use their gear properly highlights broader issues of operational inefficiency.

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“This shows how difficult it is to hide on the battlefield today. Full-body coverage is essential,” added de Bretton-Gordon.

Online details reveal that the Russian-made cloaks sell for as little as $47. However, Ukraine’s rapid technological advancements are making concealment far more difficult for Russian forces.

Reynolds noted: “Drone-mounted thermal cameras are improving rapidly and becoming more affordable due to advances in manufacturing.”

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Technology vs. Perception Warfare

The suits, weighing about 2.5 kg, are made of multilayered materials including polymers, microfibers, and fabric infused with metallic particles. Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Vitaly Bolovenko stated: “Our goal is to reliably conceal troops and equipment from the enemy.”

Rebecca Koffler, a former strategic intelligence analyst and author of Putin’s Playbook, told Fox News Digital that these invisibility cloaks are part of the longstanding Russian maskirovka doctrine — a Soviet-born concept of military deception.

She explained that maskirovka aims to mislead the enemy about troop presence, location, numbers, and intentions — essentially shaping enemy perception of the battlefield.

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Koffler said that while Russian soldiers may lack thermally protective uniforms, significant investment has gone into the development of invisibility cloaks.

On January 19, 2024, the TASS news agency published an interview with Russian company Hydrex, which showcased new military camo suits that reduce the wearer’s silhouette. Weighing just 350 grams, these suits can fold into a pocket and are designed to mask thermal signatures.

Koffler confirmed that field tests were conducted in Ukraine. The full suit includes a head covering, cap, and special goggles, offering effective thermal concealment within a two-meter radius.

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Made of three layers — an inner one that reflects infrared from the body, a middle one that absorbs it, and an outer layer that reflects ambient infrared — the suit was developed at the Russian Academy of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense.

“There’s a reason the Russians want to publicize their possession of this technology,” Koffler said. “That doesn’t mean they’re lying — but its practical effectiveness remains to be proven.”

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