Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have conducted extensive tests of the mobile camouflage solution Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) in Denmark. The results are said to confirm the system's ability to reduce the risk of detection, especially under Arctic conditions.
It is the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell, FMA) that has issued the press release. The tests were conducted by FMA, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt, FFI), and representatives from Sweden and Denmark. The activities were led by the Danish equivalent of FMA, the Danish Defence Materiel and Procurement Agency (Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse, FMI).
The MCS system, developed by Saab in collaboration with the three countries, consists of panels mounted on vehicles. The technology is designed to complicate detection and engagement by affecting the vehicle's signature. This includes concealing thermal signatures from infrared sensors, reducing radar signatures, and breaking the vehicle's visual shapes.
During the evaluation, sensors on the ground, in the air, and in space were used to record thermal signature, visual visibility, and radar signature (Radar Cross Section). According to FMA, the tests show that the system compares well with other materiel.
– The tests showed that the MCS system performed well against other products tested. Thus, we confirmed that this Nordic mobile camouflage solution remains highly relevant, says Tomas Beck, Head of Land and Joint Capabilities at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
The work on signature adaptation is described as central to controlling what an adversary can perceive, from body heat to radio traffic. By adapting signatures, it becomes more difficult for the adversary to detect and locate one's own units.
The collaboration on camouflage takes place within the framework of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). The aim is to continue joint development and testing activities to meet technological developments in the sensor area.