As reported by Kontakt6 on August 17, 2024, Russia presented a T-14 Armata tank equipped with the Nakidka thermal camouflage system at the Army-2024 event. The Nakidka system, a radar-absorbent material (RAM) camouflage, is intended to reduce the visibility of Russian military assets to various reconnaissance and targeting systems. Developed by the Scientific Research Institute of Steel (NII Stali), this system is designed to decrease the infrared, thermal, and radar signatures of objects.
The system is effective in the optical, infrared, and radar wavelength bands up to 12 centimeters and lowers the radar cross section by 10 decibels. The Nakidka system is relatively lightweight, with the material itself weighing 2 kilograms per square meter. The complete camouflage system weighs approximately 125 kg and can be installed within 0.4 to 1.0 man-hours per square meter. It is designed to endure combat conditions, including small arms fire and napalm attacks. The system is secured to vehicles using brackets, belts, and buckles, which can be adjusted with standard tools from a tank’s toolkit.
However, the presentation of the Nakidka system on the T-14 Armata tank at the Army-2024 event has prompted discussions regarding its practicality. The Nakidka appeared to cover critical turret sensors, radars, and the optics used by the gunner and commander, potentially impairing the tank’s active protection system (APS) and laser warning receivers (LWR), according to Kontakt6.