Ukrainian defense company STG has introduced a thermal-imaging camouflage poncho designed to mask soldiers from enemy surveillance.
Debuting at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition, the system reduces detection in the infrared spectrum using advanced stealth technology.
The poncho can conceal a soldier’s thermal footprint up to 100 meters (328 feet) in forested terrain and 250 meters (820 feet) in open areas.
Its low-emissivity fabric incorporates covered vents that gradually release heat, while reflective properties scatter thermal signals, blending the wearer into the environment.
The poncho remains effective for two hours before requiring a brief cooldown of up to 10 minutes to return to ambient temperature.
Unlike domestic alternatives made with aluminum or copper-nickel fabrics, which can degrade after washing or cause skin irritation, STG’s design reportedly maintains performance and durability even after repeated use.
Testing and Military Certification
STG developed the poncho under technical specifications from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
The system underwent a full testing cycle, including military research trials with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, certification at the State Research Institute for Testing and Certification of Armaments and Military Equipment, and field evaluation by the National Guard and National Police.
The design is aimed at addressing limitations in existing camouflage solutions, helping Ukrainian troops remain less visible to enemy surveillance.
“To produce ponchos, we use polyamide with silver inclusions. Silver has the lowest emissivity among all materials and the highest reflectivity. This makes it an ideal material for thermal masking,” said Igor Terekhov, one of the product developers, as quoted by Oboronka.
“We order raw materials for production from our partners’ factories, process them ourselves, paint them, refine them, and then sew them.”
