SOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has announced its intent to procure 12,056 Multi-Spectral Camouflage Nets (MSCNs) for deployment in plain and jungle terrains. This acquisition aligns with the MoD’s broader strategy to enhance operational camouflage and reduce equipment detectability across various electromagnetic (EM) spectrum ranges, thereby bolstering battlefield survivability.
The MSCN is a state-of-the-art camouflage solution designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment in diverse terrains. Its capabilities include suppressing signatures across Visual, Infrared (IR), Thermal Infrared (TIR), and Radar spectrums, effectively minimizing the chances of detection by enemy surveillance systems. When used to conceal critical equipment such as tanks, radars, and other vital assets, the MSCN significantly reduces their recognition probability, even under advanced sensor scrutiny.
The camouflage nets will cover specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, including:
Visual Range (380–780 nm): The MSCN must feature a pattern conforming to Indian Standard Colour (ISC) codes, ensuring it matches terrain characteristics in regions like Punjab and North-East India. Vendors will have the flexibility to adjust these colors and percentages to meet blending requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness.
To support the “Make in India” initiative, the MoD mandates a minimum 63% indigenous content for the MSCNs. Prospective bidders must ensure local production and supply chain involvement to meet this criterion. Vendors must also provide detailed documentation, including IS color codes, percentage compositions, and methodologies, to validate compliance with this requirement.
The MSCN is critical for ensuring the camouflage of key military equipment in terrain prone to enemy surveillance. It is particularly designed to enhance:
- Visual Camouflage: Using color patterns optimized for blending with local landscapes.
- Infrared Suppression: Mitigating IR emissions to evade detection by thermal imaging devices.
- Radar Signature Reduction: Reducing radar cross-sections to minimize the equipment’s electromagnetic footprint.
The MoD has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify suitable vendors capable of delivering the required MSCNs. Bidders are encouraged to demonstrate their ability to meet the technical and indigenous content requirements outlined in the RFP. The successful bidder will secure a contract to supply the camouflage nets and support their operational deployment.