France has awarded Swedish company Saab a 20-million-euro ($21.7-million) contract to supply 3,000 multispectral camouflage nets for the armed forces.
The order will be distributed across the French Army and the Air and Space Force to improve the concealment of their command posts, vehicles, and weapons.
Saab’s multispectral camo package consists of visible infrared and radar sheets, enabling a blending effect of tactical assets with any environment.
Work for the manufacturing and assembly will be conducted by Saab subcontractor Solarmtex at its facility in Vierzon, Cher.
Delivery will take place from 2024 to 2026.
Result of Research
Paris wrote that the multispectral screen variants will be shipped in three sizes and different types of operational compatibility usable in southern and northern Europe, deserts, and snowy landscapes.
The technology for these advanced fabrics was developed through a two-year research program led by experts from Saab, the French Defence Procurement Agency, and the Army Technical Section.
A framework contract was signed between the teams in 2022 to develop the technology according to French military standards. In the agreement, Saab noted that future deliveries will be made annually over eight years following completion of the research.
Expanding Camo Production
Earlier this month, Saab partnered with a British company to locally manufacture its mobile camouflage systems in the UK.
This effort will support the British Army’s ground vehicle fleets and those of its international allies.
In 2023, the Swedish firm signed a similar agreement with Tulmar Safety Systems in Canada.
