Why Russia develops “invisibility cloaks” for its forces?

Oleksandr Kovalenko, a political and military observer, explains why Russians develop the “invisibility cloaks.”

A few days ago, Ukrainian snipers eliminated 22 Russian soldiers in a single night. The success was attributed not only to the snipers' heroism, concentration, and composure but also to the thermal imaging optics provided by the well-known Kyiv-based company Archer (Thermal Vision Technologies LLC).

Since 2014, Archer has maintained close ties with Ukrainian security forces, supplying them with high-quality products for enhanced enemy detection during day and night operations. Archer continually evolves and improves its products to enhance their effectiveness.

Presently, the Russian forces are actively seeking ways to deceive Ukrainian snipers equipped with Archer's thermal imaging technology, particularly during nighttime operations. One such way is the development of an "invisibility cloak," coated with a special substance to conceal objects from thermal imaging. While such cloaks pose a potential challenge for military operations at night, they also raise concerns for companies developing thermal imaging cameras.

“However, the primary challenge for Archer does not appear to be these ‘invisibility cloaks.’ Instead, the company faces legal issues in Ukraine, with ongoing investigations and cases disrupting its systematic work in both production and product development,” the observer notes.

Notably, within the context of these legal proceedings in October 2023, design drawings, documentation, and software products related to Archer were copied.

The timeline raises eyebrows, Kovalenko highlights. In October 2023, data on Archer's developments were copied, and by January 2024, the Russians had developed their first "invisibility cloaks."

“The situation presents a peculiar scenario: the main supplier of products for Ukraine's top snipers is under ‘investigative pressure, and shortly after legal actions against the company, the enemy possesses equipment that counters its products,” points out the observer.

• The Russian company HiderX has announced the development of a suit that will mask and protect the Russian military from Ukrainian thermal imaging equipment.