French Army Revamps Tank Camouflage Following Estonia Criticism

The French Army has addressed recent criticisms of its tank camouflage following an exercise in Estonia. From January 26 to February 6, 2023, approximately 1,200 soldiers participated in Winter Camp, which included 200 French troops. This exercise was conducted under challenging winter conditions to enhance NATO’s defensive posture on its eastern flank.

Background of the French Military Presence in Estonia

Since 2017, French soldiers have been stationed in Estonia as part of Mission Lynx. Their objective is to strengthen NATO’s deterrence capabilities in the region. During Winter Camp, soldiers tested innovative camouflage techniques aimed at minimizing thermal and visual signatures.

Camouflage Techniques and Responding to Criticism

As part of the exercise, the French forces used various camouflage methods, which included creating a limited visual detection footprint. On February 2, the French Forces in Estonia shared photos from the event, showcasing a soldier deploying a drone and several camouflaged vehicles, including a Griffon armoured vehicle equipped with a command post.

However, this camouflage drew criticism on social media, with some observers mocking its effectiveness. A Finnish military equipment employee remarked that the French camouflage appeared less like effective concealment and more like a signpost. Additionally, the unique camo patterns, blending multiple colors and textures, raised eyebrows among military commentators.

Contextual Challenges and Historical Significance

The criticism highlighted that the unit involved, the 6th Light Armoured Brigade, is not specialized in cold weather environments, differentiating it from the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade. Historically, French armoured vehicles have adjusted their camouflage for various operational theaters, including central Europe and arctic conditions. However, since 2021, the Army has shifted to using a monochromatic Brown Earth France (BTF) camouflage to streamline logistics and reduce costs.

Innovations in Camouflage Technology

The concept of “smart” camouflage, such as the Caméléon-Salamandre, has been in development. This technology utilizes pixelated screens controlled by artificial intelligence to adapt vehicles’ colors based on their surroundings. An upcoming contract for adhesive geometric camouflage forms, known as Camtac, was announced, with expected deliveries in late 2026.

Addressing Vulnerabilities

In light of modern warfare challenges, particularly highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the need for effective camouflage has become crucial. The General Directorate of Armaments has ordered 3,000 multispectral camouflage nets from Swedish company Saab. These nets are designed to protect vehicles from various detection methods including visible light, infrared, and radar.

• Exercise Name: Winter Camp
• Date Held: January 26 – February 6, 2023
• Participating Troops: 1,200 (200 French)
• Location: Estonia
• Current Deployment: Since 2017 (Mission Lynx)
• Technologies Under Development:
  • Caméléon-Salamandre
  • Camtac (Expected by end of 2026)
  • 3,000 multispectral camouflage nets from Saab

The recent camouflage experiences during Winter Camp underscore the importance of effective concealment tactics in contemporary military operations, especially in extreme environmental conditions.