Saab has introduced its latest iteration of camouflage solutions, a poncho to protect individual soldiers from being detected by sensors operated by opposing forces across a variety of environments. Barracuda Poncho is Saab’s latest addition to complement its existing Barracuda range of advanced camouflage solutions. The purpose of Barracuda Poncho is to hide the user from thermal and, in the arctic version, UV sensors while providing the freedom of movement to act swiftly and quietly. Its light weight of just above 1 kg makes Barracuda Poncho easy to deploy, wear and adjust. Barracuda Poncho provides visual and thermal protection across varied environments, including woodland, stony desert, and arctic conditions. Its reversible design enables a night and day configuration on each side, with enhanced thermal protection for night.
“Barracuda Poncho is our answer to the recent rise in UAV-based surveillance on the battlefield, where a mission can be compromised if the soldier even briefly leaves a camouflaged vehicle or position. Building on the positive response from our Soldier System, the new Barracuda Poncho solution provides an alternative camouflage solution, focusing on wearability while retaining the exceptional multispectral protection,” says Henning Robach, head of Saab’s business unit Barracuda.
The patented technology used in the poncho’s material reduces signature across visual and thermal detection systems, providing effective camouflage beyond the capabilities of the human eye, including advanced surveillance and space-based observation systems. The reversible configuration provides enhanced thermal performance at night, supporting reduced detectability across multiple sensor technologies. The poncho supports a range of operational applications, including personal camouflage, position camouflage, and temporary shelters such as tents. The reversible design for day and night use and terrain-adapted patterns enable effective use across environments including arctic, stony desert, and woodland conditions. All available patterns are compatible with other Barracuda products, allowing the poncho to integrate seamlessly into Saab Barracuda’s wider portfolio of signature management solutions covering soldiers, platforms, units, and infrastructure.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
