FROM CONVENTIONAL CAMOUFLAGE TEXTILES TO METAMATERIAL-BASED COMBAT PROTECTION: REVIEW

Authors

  • Mariya Georgieva „Combat Systems and Equipment“, Defense Institute „Professor Tsvetan Lazarov“, Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Petia Gencheva Head of „Combat Systems and Equipment“, Defense Institute „Professor Tsvetan Lazarov“, Sofia, Bulgaria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.68302/std2026.vol2.172

Keywords:

camouflage textiles, coding metasurfaces, electromagnetic shielding, metamaterials, multispectral protection

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual review of the evolution of military camouflage systems from conventional textile-based concealment to advanced metamaterial-enabled multispectral protection. The study analyzes the current limitations of traditional camouflage materials in the face of modern detection technologies, including infrared imaging, radar systems, LIDAR platforms, and AI-assisted sensor fusion and automated target-recognition systems. Particular attention is given to metamaterial structures based on split-ring resonators (SRRs), transformation optics, coding metasurfaces, and adaptive electromagnetic shielding concepts. The paper discusses integrating conductive and resonant elements into textile architectures through embroidery, nanoprinting, and composite fabrication. Recent developments in self-healing polymers, omniphobic coatings, and adaptive thermal camouflage are also reviewed as emerging technologies for future combat equipment. The advantages, operational limitations, and engineering challenges of wearable metamaterial systems are critically evaluated. The study concludes that metamaterial-assisted combat gear is a promising direction for next-generation multispectral military protection, although significant challenges remain regarding durability, scalability, and battlefield implementation.

Supporting Agencies

National Scientific Program – Security and Defence is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria in the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific Research 2017-2030 and was adopted by Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 731 of October 21, 2021.

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References

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Published

17.09.2026

Issue

Vol. 2 (2026): Proceedings of the International Conference on Secure Systems Design and Technology Development.

Section

ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Mariya Georgieva, Petia Gencheva

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

[1]
M. Georgieva and P. Gencheva, “FROM CONVENTIONAL CAMOUFLAGE TEXTILES TO METAMATERIAL-BASED COMBAT PROTECTION: REVIEW”, SysTechDev, vol. 2, pp. 97–102, Sep. 2026, doi: 10.68302/std2026.vol2.172.