The Swedish defense equipment company Saab has signed a multi-year framework agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Defense for the delivery of the multispectral camouflage system Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System. According to a Saab press release dated August 27, the agreement enables the armed forces of the Netherlands to equip their vehicle fleet flexibly with modern camouflage technology, thereby significantly increasing protection against enemy detection on the modern battlefield.
A first call-off from the contract includes systems for the armored reconnaissance vehicles Fennek and the 2000 self-propelled howitzers of the Koninklijke Landmacht. The contract also includes options to equip additional vehicle types. Saab’s mobile camouflage system is tailored to the individual vehicle geometry and offers specialized camouflage patterns for forest, urban, or Arctic environments.
Multispectral camouflage with Barracuda
The Barracuda technology is gaining decisive importance against the backdrop of modern sensing technologies such as thermal imaging cameras, infrared reconnaissance, radar, and reconnaissance drones, since conventional flecktarn nets no longer provide sufficient protection. The system covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
In the visual and near-infrared range it matches the contours to the optical surroundings, while in the thermal infrared range it reduces or distorts the heat radiation from engines, occupants, and running gear. Additionally, radar-absorbing properties weaken the radar echo of vehicles and positions.
Through frequency-selective permeability, the use of own communications systems from within the vehicle remains possible.
Barracuda in the Bundeswehr
The Saab Barracuda system is also an important component of signature management for the Bundeswehr within the framework of national and alliance defense. Tailor-made systems are used on combat vehicles such as the Leopard 2A7V main battle tank and infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, there is a separate procurement project for mobile multispectral camouflage equipment for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In addition to vehicles, the Bundeswehr relies on personal protective equipment such as multispectral camouflage ponchos, of which an initial tranche of 1,100 pieces has been ordered to shield body heat and body noise from drone reconnaissance, to protect soldiers. In addition, ultra-light stationary camouflage nets are used to cover combat positions and artillery positions.
Author: Gerhard Heiming, Editor at Wehrwirtschaft
