Ukraine Unveils Invisibility Cloak to Shield Soldiers from Thermal Imaging Cameras
Ukraine has announced the development of an advanced technology, referred to as an “invisibility cloak”, designed to safeguard its troops from detection by Russian thermal imaging cameras during nocturnal combat operations. The innovative cloak works by obstructing thermal radiation, rendering Ukrainian soldiers virtually invisible to their Russian counterparts.
Mikhail Fedorov, the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Innovation, proudly shared the breakthrough on social media, stating, “Remember the invisibility cloak from fairy tales? Well, Ukraine has brought it to life. This remarkable invention blocks thermal radiation, effectively camouflaging our soldiers from Russian thermal imaging cameras. It will significantly enhance our capabilities during nighttime missions.”
Dubbed the “Invisible Clock”, this cutting-edge technology was developed as part of the “Brave 1” defense project, funded by the Ukrainian government. According to CNN, the concept for the cloak was initiated in 2015, primarily intended for employment by Ukrainian snipers and special forces in the conflict-stricken eastern Donbass region. However, progress accelerated following the Russian invasion last February. Maxim Boryak, one of the developers of the invisibility cloak, revealed, “With the Russian invasion, our efforts intensified, and now we have made significant strides.”
The invisibility cloak leverages a specialized material employed by firefighters to counteract the emission of hot air, thereby evading detection by thermal imaging cameras. The cloak incorporates a ventilation system that cools the trapped hot air. Weighing up to 2.5 kilograms, it boasts exceptional resistance to water and fire.
A video shared by Minister Fedorov showcases a distinct contrast in the thermal profiles of soldiers wearing the invisibility cloak and those without it. The former, submerged in near-total concealment, barely register any heat signatures, while the latter remain easily detectable due to their body heat. The soldiers without the cloak resemble figures donned in conventional military-pattern ponchos.
Kiwi Independent, a Ukrainian media outlet, highlighted the ongoing field testing of the invisibility cloak technology, asserting, “The prototype of the invisibility cloak has already undergone rigorous trials.” The report also mentioned that earlier attempts at introducing similar concepts were unsuccessful due to the lack of effective thermal radiation blocking capabilities, which instead focused on manipulating light. Such endeavors, as the outlet emphasized, are now a thing of the past.
Ukrainian authorities intend to validate the prototype of the invisibility cloak and subsequently deploy it on real battlefields, providing their forces with a significant advantage in covert operations. This groundbreaking technology represents a pivotal step forward in enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of its frontline troops.
Of the three soldiers, the one on the left wearing an invisibility cloak is clearly less exposed to the thermal imaging camera. /X (old Twitter)
Ukraine claims to have developed a so-called ‘invisibility cloak’ to protect soldiers from thermal imaging cameras. The key is to block thermal radiation and prevent the country’s troops from being exposed to Russian forces during night fighting.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Innovation Mikhail Fedorov said via X on the 4th (local time), “Have you ever read about an invisibility cloak in a fairy tale?” and “Ukraine did it.” “This cloak blocks thermal radiation and makes Ukrainian soldiers invisible to Russian thermal imaging cameras.” “It will help me work effectively at night.”
The ‘Invisible Clock’ presented by Minister Fedorov was produced as part of the ‘Brave 1’ defense technology project sponsored by the Ukrainian government. According to CNN, this cloak began to be developed in 2015 for use by Ukrainian snipers and special forces in the eastern Donbass region, and took shape after the Russian invasion last February. “With the invasion of Russia, development began in earnest again,” Maxim Boryak, one of the developers of the invisibility cloak, told CNN.
Wear an invisibility cloak. /X
The principle of the invisibility cloak is to use a special material used by firefighters to block the emission of hot air and prevent it from being captured by thermal imaging cameras. A ventilation system mounted on the cloak cools the hot air trapped inside. It weighs up to 2.5 kg and is characterized by high resistance to water and fire.
Looking at the video posted by Minister Fedorov, there is a big difference in the degree to which the thermal imaging camera captures the difference between soldiers who are actually wearing invisibility cloaks and those who are not. Soldiers wearing invisibility cloaks were exposed to almost no heat rays, while soldiers without one were exposed to their body heat rays. It looks like he is wearing a military uniform pattern poncho.
Kiwi Independent, a Ukrainian media outlet, said, “Invisibility cloak technology is already being tested in the field,” adding, “Although special suits with a similar concept to invisibility cloaks have been released before, there were no the technology at the time to block thermal radiation at all, but to bend or refract light. “It’s over,” he said.
Ukrainian authorities plan to verify the invisibility cloak prototype and put it into active use on real battlefields.
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