The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), in collaboration with industrial marking and component manufacturer SILMOR, has launched a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-financed project to develop a thermal camouflage coating for military applications.
The objective of the project "Visual and thermal masking technology for military and civil applications" (No. 1.2.1.1/3/25/A/007) is to create an innovative, multi-layered coating material capable of significantly reducing the thermal signature of military equipment and critical infrastructure, making them less detectable by infrared (IR) detectors and thermal sensors.
The technology relies on a conceptually novel approach to infrared camouflage (IR stealth): a thin coating (approximately 1 micrometer) produces selective reflection, absorbing the heat generated by equipment and re-emitting it in a spectral range undetected by standard IR sensors.
SILMOR has already presented a prototype of the technology at the international defence exhibition Eurosatory, where it attracted significant interest from industry experts and potential end-users.
The project is scheduled for implementation through mid-2027. Within the collaboration, ISSP UL provides research expertise, material testing, and scientific evaluation to develop a mechanically durable solution adaptable to various climatic and operational conditions – a crucial contribution to strengthening Latvian and NATO defence capabilities, as well as advancing the civil security sector.
