Defence ministry issues RFP for multi spectral camouflage nets

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is set to procure 6,175 Multi Spectral Camouflage Nets (MSCN) for High Altitude, including Barren Mountain and Snow-Bound Areas, as it released a Request For Proposal on November 10, 2023.

These specially designed nets, made from polymer-coated fabric, feature a disruptive pattern for effective blending in diverse terrains. The MSCN suppresses signatures for critical equipment like tanks and radars in the presence of enemy surveillance devices in the visual, infrared (IR), Total internal Reflection (TIR), and radar ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Notably, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, had previously released an Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for the acquisition of 6,425 MSCN units. The AON, issued on September 27, highlighted the essential features required for this specialised equipment tailored for rugged, barren mountainous, and snowbound terrain.

The army was supposed to have received 6,175 networks for High Altitude areas, while the Indian Air Force was to procure 250 units for various ‘Air Force’ applications, as stated in the AoN. This procurement falls under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ classification, emphasising the need for complete design and development within India, prioritising indigenous production. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had previously acquired a total of 6,000 similar MSCNs. These networks were produced by an Indian MSME- Entremonde Polycoaters Ltd. In an official statement, the IAF stated, these acquisitions will camouflage IAF’s installations.

However, as per the revised number numbers, it is unclear if the units accorded to IAF have been taken into account for the acquisition.

The AoN outlines essential specifications for the MSCN, crucial for operations in high-altitude environments. According to the AoN, the netting should provide optimal camouflage for critical installations, thereby reducing the likelihood of detection by both aerial and ground-based electromagnetic sensors.