The Indian Army has issued an Acceptance of Need (AoN) for the procurement of 6,425 Multi Spectral Camouflage Nets (MSCN) specifically suited for deployment in High Altitude Areas (HAA). Under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' designation, this combined initiative between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) places a major focus on indigenous manufacture.

 

The Indian Army would obtain 6,175 high-altitude nets under this agreement, while the IAF will receive 250 units for diverse purposes within their jurisdiction. Previously, the IAF purchased 6,000 comparable MSCNs from M/s Entremonde Polycoaters Ltd, an Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME). These purchases are meant to provide concealment for IAF facilities.

 

(Pic from defstrat.com magazine/Entremonde Polycoaters Limited)

 

As per a report published by defstrat.com, “Entremonde is future ready with a basket of MSCN variants for related applications. The company has to its credit an array of technical products for the defence forces, such as Multi Spectral Personal Camouflage Equipment (MSPCE), Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) warfare suit fabric, Aerostat Balloon fabric, three layered breathable fabric for Extreme Cold Climate Coats, High Altitude Tent fabric, Tent Flooring and a multi-purpose Ground Sheet which is a light weight composite made of 100% recyclable polypropylene thermoplastic olefin (PPTPO), among many others, both for defence and civilian OEM applications. Entremonde is poised to offer Indian technology on a global platform to peace-loving countries. The company is headquartered in Mumbai-India and has two manufacturing plants at Nasik and Gonde, within a proximity of 180 kms. from Mumbai.”

 

The AoN paper specifies essential MSCN requirements, concentrating on its appropriateness for high-altitude, harsh, hilly, and snowbound terrains. It states that the netting must provide excellent camouflage for essential installations, lowering the chance of detection by both aerial and ground-based electromagnetic sensors.

 

To do this, the MSCN must span a visual spectrum wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, resulting in an astonishing 70% reduction in object detection at distances of 750 meters during the day and 100 meters at night with a full moon. The reflectance index of the net in the ultraviolet (UV) band (300 to 380 nm) should be greater than 60% to ensure effective concealment.

 

Furthermore, with a minimum necessary transmission loss of 6 dB, the MSCN is intended to suppress radar emissions in centimeter and millimeter wavelength bands, providing an effective shield against radar detection.

Reversibility is a notable property of the MSCN described in the AoN. This enables deployment in two separate continuous terrains, one designed for High Altitude Mountain Terrain and the other for Snow Bound Areas. The color scheme carefully follows the Indian Standard Colour Code (ISC), ensuring perfect harmony with the surroundings. This cooperative initiative demonstrates India's commitment to creating specialized military weapons while favoring local manufacture and indigenous capabilities.