The research institute confirmed the material is designed as a camouflage to reduce visibility against satellite or aviation reconnaissance equipment, thus avoiding resulting artillery shelling or rocket attacks from long distances.

“A number of domestic engineering enterprises have already received the first samples of the cape from the Steel Research Institute to equip tanks with this means of protection,” a company statement said.

The Russian defence industry has also consolidated assets for the development and production of artillery systems for the country’s defence capability.

As part of the change, a Rostec State Corporation advisory board approved the transfer of Plant No. 9, Central Research Institute Burevestnik, and Uraltransmash of the Uralvagonzavod concern to the management of the Tekhmash concern.

Plant No. 9 is a manufacturer of barrelled artillery systems for D-30A howitzer artillery, T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.

Rostec arms, ammunition, and special chemicals cluster industrial director Bekhan Ozdoev said the transfer of plants within the State Corporation will not affect their teams or civil projects.

“The purpose of the regrouping is to create a unified system on the principle of ‘gun-shot’,” he said.

“The competencies for the development, production, repair, maintenance of artillery systems and the production of ammunition for them are now concentrated in the Tekhmash circuit.

“This concern has historically been the flagship of the Russian ammunition industry. Consolidation of assets will allow to increase production volumes against the background of the increased needs of the army.

“At the same time, Uralvagonzavod will focus on the production of its main products; tanks.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.