MSCN- Multi-Spectral Camouflage Nets are vital to defence security as they help army personnel and vehicles remain invisible to the enemy’s eyes. The best part of this camouflage net is that they not only hide the items beneath from the visual spectrum but also from the electromagnetic spectrum. Today’s MSCN can hide objects from being detected by radar, infrared, and millimeter-wave radar imaging.   

The idea of camouflaging one’s troop is nothing new; ever since men started fighting each other, there have been ways to camouflage oneself during an enemy ambush. But it was in the last century that the development of non-visual camouflaging started. Scientists observed the animal world, especially species like the caterpillars of eyed hawk-moth, to learn more about camouflaging from infra-red.

Today, multi-spectral camouflage has two types; either special material nets or specialized paints. As said before, they can be used for buildings, vehicles, and individuals. The nets come in diverse designs like summer, winter, snow, or desert, depending on the geographical location and terrain. Many nets are reversible, which means both sides can be used for various terrains, like plain/jungle terrain on one side and desert/semi-desert terrain on the other.

The types of detection an MSCN can prevent include:  

• Visual range (usually between 400 nm to 700 nm) 
• Ultraviolet (250 nm to 400 nm)  
• Microwave (1 GHz to 100 GHz)  
• Near-infrared (750 nm to 1200 nm)  
• Far infrared (800 nm to 1400 nm)  
• Middle infrared (3000 nm to 5000 nm)  
• Short wave Infrared (1200 nm to 2500 nm)  

Apart from preventing detention from land and aerial detecting devices, MSCN nets can also protect from overheating when used on a vehicle. The temperature can be reduced by 8 degrees Celsius when this camouflage net is used. It becomes particularly important for vehicles outside in desert or semi-desert areas where daytime temperatures can become high. So, this net not only prevents detection by thermal sensors but also makes the working environment easier for the passengers in the vehicles.    Today manufacturing of MSCN-Multi Spectral Camouflage Net is a billion-dollar industry. Most renowned arms manufacturing countries have enterprises to handle this type of net manufacturing. In India, many defence suppliers and manufacturers specialize in making this type of camouflage net. The nets also come with their deployment tools and a repair kit. It can be as small as a handbag, making it easier to carry.