Key Facts

• Russian forces have applied dazzle camouflage, which uses bold black-and-white stripes, to their trucks.
• The purpose is to confuse AI-based recognition systems on Ukrainian drones.
• AI systems typically identify vehicles by their shape and visual features, which this pattern disrupts.
• This tactic is intended to make it harder for drones to track and target Russian logistics vehicles.
• The camouflage technique, called dazzle camouflage, was first used in World War I to protect ships from submarine attacks.
• Ukrainian forces use US-made Hornet drones that rely on AI to target Russian convoys.
• Experts say dazzle camouflage is a low-cost way to interfere with drone targeting but its effectiveness in Ukraine is still uncertain.
• The tactic represents ongoing changes in military approaches as both sides adapt to new technologies in the conflict.