CAMOUFLAGED ENOUGH ?

The acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system is the big news as of now with respect to the Indian Military. The prowess of these air defence systems have been enough to deter the Israeli Air Force from being too comfortable in the Syrian skies as well as forcing the Americans to depend more on their costly fifth generation aircraft by deploying them instead of the fourth generation ones.

But something that has quietly slipped under the radar is the introduction of new combat fatigues in the Indian Navy as well as the proposed introduction in the Indian Army. Sad to say that our fascination with imitating western military techniques is very much evident in this also. Before I delve into the subject, let me paint a brief picture of digital camouflages (pun intended). The need for digital camo (short for camouflage, for the uninitiated) arose due to nothing but the inevitable progress of science and technology. As our understanding of human cognitive functions increased we more closely understood how to make better disruptive patterns to fool the naked eye.

The digital/pixelated camo patterns introduced in the late 2000s used small cubes printed on the fabric to mimic natural patterns. These edgy designs were thought to be more effective than the traditional larger patterned camos. The truth is that while traditional camos are good at hiding when looked from afar (most suited for vehicles) digital camos are suited for nearer concealment (for soldiers)

Traditional Camo pattern:

Digital Camo Pattern:

Now coming back to the matter hand, the design of the digital camo patterns of the Indian Armed Forces are left much to be desired. Aping western ideas can have disastrous consequences especially when it is in the field of military.

Comparing the above two images we can see the striking similarity between the digital camo patterns of American Navy and the Indian Navy. It can be seen that the new combat fatigues of the Indian Navy (introduced in 2021) are heavily influenced by the American Navy's (introduced in the early 2010s).

Not only are we late to the party but also we are wrongly dressed, literally speaking.

Any ordinary human being can easily deduce while the camo looks EYE CATCHING, it shouldn't. The very purpose of a camouflage is to remain inconspicuous. The Americans have understood their folly and are moving away from this controversial camo while we are busy aping them.

And whoever designed these fatigues prima facie have not take into consideration the aspects of combat. If they had they wouldn't have provided the provisions for displaying ranks on the shoulders rather they would have been displayed on the sleeves (which is the worldwide practice since vests, jackets and equipment can conceal it). The next thing that is wrong with this is the use of belt over the shirts which will hinder free movement which is crucial in battle.

And the biggest stupidity of it all is the display of ranks in a very bright and contrasting colour, which will make the enemy's job easier, since they would be able to easily distinguish a higher ranking officer and eliminate him/her. (Take a look again at the above picture)

But fret not, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has taken the stupidity to a whole new level, even though they had the sense no to display ranks prominently. (LOL)

A point that has to be closely noted is that the Pakistanis have done better at copying the digital camo, a camo that is very much inspired from the traditional British desert camouflage.

Anyways all is not lost, since the specialised units of Indian Armed Force who adopted the digital camo have more sense. The camo pattern used by the Garud Commandos of the Indian Air Force and the MARCOS of Indian Navy are better suited for warfare.

Yeah, I can understand your head might be spinning due to the vast varieties of patterns used by different countries and different branches, but in my opinion there is a clear winner. And it is an evolution of the digital camo called A-TACS.

A-TACS : features innovative organic digital pattern where small, organically-shaped pixels replaced conventional square ones. These tiny shapes then build micro- and more defined macro-layers, creating exceptional "pattern within a pattern" appearance which effectively breaks up the human outline at a greater range of distances.

In short this camo pattern combines the goods of both the traditional and the pixelated patterns by using more rounder pixel patterns to create larger patterns, thereby being more effective.

So to conclude, I hope the Indian Army's upcoming digital camo is more suited for real combat than be another crude copycat.