At a time when Ukraine’s military is using advanced autonomous electronic drones and robotic systems on the battlefield, Russia has adopted a highly unusual tactic dating back to the First World War to counter the threat.
Russian forces have started painting black-and-white zigzag stripes on their military vehicles, a technique known in military terminology as ‘dazzle camouflage’ or the zebra pattern.
Images of Russian military trucks carrying strange black-and-white geometric designs have gone viral on social media. The purpose of the paint is not to conceal the vehicles from human sight, as they remain clearly visible from a distance. Instead, it is intended to mislead the ‘robotic eyes’ of artificial intelligence-powered Ukrainian drones that identify and strike targets automatically.
Military experts said the method was first devised in 1917 during the First World War by an artist working with the British Navy to help protect ships from German submarine attacks. The objective was not to hide the vessel but to confuse the enemy.
The contrasting black-and-white blocks made it difficult for observers to judge a vehicle’s or ship’s direction, speed and size accurately from a distance.
More than a century later, Russia believes the tactic may still prove effective in confusing computer-guided drones on the modern battlefield.
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