Saab Multispectral Camouflage Nets For Canada

12/09/2013 by Paul Fiddian - Armed Forces International's Lead Reporter

Canada's Department of National Defence has placed an £8.2 million order for Saab Barracuda's MCS (Multispectral Camouflage System) nets.

Details of this contract emerged at the DSEI (Defence Security and Equipment International) event in London, which opened on 10 September and runs until tomorrow. Further options give the Department of National Defence the chance to order more nets, if required, between now and 2018.

The Saab Multispectral Camouflage System is designed to protect military vehicles on the move against optical and infrared target acquisition systems. It blends actual camouflage material with thermal protection, radar protection and near-infrared protection technologies.

Multispectral Camouflage System

Armoured vehicles tend to have a sizable cross section which, especially when operating in hot conditions, makes them more visible to enemy forces. Saab's Multispectral Camouflage System counters this effect by incorporating a non-glossy surface into its netting. As a result, vehicles wearing it are much harder to pick out.

‘Colours, near-infrared values and patterns can be adapted to the environmental conditions of the intended region', Saab explains. 'Conspicuous parts of the vehicle can be furnished with additional contour disrupters.'

Saab Camouflage

Saab Barracuda LLC is based in North Carolina and specialises in manufacturing and supplying low-observability military products, headed by its ULCANS (Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net System).

Some 50 nations have now been supplied with Saab camouflage products. Combined, these systems serve to protect vehicles, camps and armed forces personnel against enemy sensors and target acquisition technologies.

"Saab has an unrivalled leading position in the world within Signature Management technology", said Saab Barracuda's Managing Director, Anders Wiman. "We continue to attract and retain new and existing customers around the globe."

The Canadian Department of National Defence was established in 1923, so celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The Canadian's Government's highest-staffed department, equipped with the largest budget, it is tasked with defending the nation, both nationally and internationally.