​Ukrainian IR Camera Killer Drone vs. russian Thermal Camouflage (Video)

Active usage of heat-concealing camo suits by russian forces has been known since at least April 2023. Still, the information was fragmented and limited, not allowing for an assessment of the level of impact this equipment brings to the battlefield. Previously, Defense Express analyzed the overall effectiveness, pros and cons of thermal disguise, and compared russian developments to the ones made in Ukraine and around the globe.

As far as it goes, statistical data is still lacking to draw a comprehensive conclusion but here we have an interesting case in point: an FPV drone strike on a russian soldier who was trying to conceal his presence with a thermal suit. Warning: graphic content.

Read more: russian Thermocamouflages "Break" the Silhouette of the Occupiers, But is it Enough?

This video from the Signum unit of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was shared by Serhii Sternenko, an activist, blogger, and FPV drone procurement advocate.

Despite the russian soldier's silhouette being indeed less recognizable, the suit did not entirely hide him from the infrared camera of the FPV drone, nor from a larger UAV loitering above, also equipped with thermal vision. The outcome was lethal to the russian serviceman.

Worth noting, the use of FPV drones with thermal imaging remains limited within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, although it tends to scale up. The episodes like this demonstrate that investing in costlier drones with IR vision proves a rewarding investment despite russian efforts to develop and refine countermeasures.

Read more: Ukraine Makes Anti-Heat Camouflage Suits to Hide From russian Thermal Imagers: How It Works and How Effective it is