Protecting the individual soldier in modern warfare
As UAV-based surveillance and advanced sensors increase in use, dismounted soldiers are more exposed to observation from multiple vantage points, making camouflage more challenging. As detection capabilities evolve, so must protection. Today, survivability depends not only on protecting platforms, but more than ever on protecting the individual soldier. Without proper personal camouflage, one soldier can reveal an entire unit.
Technical specifications
- Design variants: Arctic, Stony Desert, Woodland
- Dimensions: 140x255 cm
- Weight: 1.1 kg (Stony Desert and Woodland)
- General: All variants offer protection in visual (VIS), near infrafred (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and thermal infrared (TIR). The Arctic variant offers additional ultraviolet (UV) protection.
Developed in close collaboration with armed forces, the Barracuda Poncho is designed to reduce visual and thermal detectability across varied environments, including woodland, stony desert, and arctic conditions. The day-and-night configuration enhances performance in low-light conditions, while the fitted shape enables use over helmets and gear, maintaining effective protection both in static positions and during movement.
Optimised fit for uncompromised coverage
The poncho is designed to integrate seamlessly with full combat equipment, allowing it to be worn over helmets, backpacks, and gear without compromising protection. A helmet-compatible hood supports effective personal camouflage, while the lightweight and intuitive design enables quick deployment and adjustment in the field, even while wearing gloves.
Protection beyond the human eye
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.
Optimised for day and night operations through reversible design
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.
Operational advantages
- Reduced probability of detection
- Increased endurance and soldier’s survivability
- Maintained mobility
- Improved operational flexibility
- Adapted to varied environments
- Compatible with other Barracuda camouflage patterns
Signature Management
Signature Management is at the core of our products. Our technology minimises the contrast between an object and the background, making sensory detection much harder. Signature Management reduces exposure and distance identification, which forces enemies to move closer in order to engage.
Saab's camouflage solutions offer true multispectral capabilities against a wide range of advanced sensors. The properties for this product: