Signature management 23-25 – End report

Authors:

  • Dietmar Letalick
  • Linnéa Axelsson
  • Fredrik Lund

Publish date: 2026-03-27

Report number: FOI-R--5867--SE

Pages: 22

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • signature
  • signature management
  • signature adaption
  • deception
  • decoy

Abstract

This report describes activities and results from the project Signature management 23-25 during the years 2023-2025. The aim of the project has been to build knowledge to control - and if necessary change - signatures of platforms and units in varying environments and threat scenarios. The focus has been to develop expertise both within FOI and within the Swedish Armed Forces regarding signature management to increase the protection and improved survivability of platforms and units. The work has been conducted within three work packages: Assessment methodology, Method development, measurement and analysis, and Deception and decoys. The project has mainly addressed the following research questions: How is the platform signature linked to the unit signature? How can deficiencies in signature adaptation with regard to the combined signature in different situations be identified? How can one, based on information and knowledge about threats and tactics, reduce the combined signature for a platform (e.g., through tactical behaviour or decoys)? Some suggested actions to reduce the signature and increase the knowledge of appropriate measures to reduce the signature are: Acquiring equipment for self-assessment of one's own signature, to be used during training and in combat units, and development of technical solutions to facilitate and carry out temporary camouflage arrangements. Recurring terms in the report are deception, signature adaptation and decoys (in Swedish: VSS). The abbreviation VSS roughly corresponds to the English acronym CCD (camouflage, concealment, and deception). A compilation of evaluation methodology and tools for simulations and decision support within radar and electro-optical wavelength bands has been made. Increased environmental knowledge and insight into FM education and training in signature management has been obtained through several visits during exercises and at military units. A recurring need from customers is a thoroughly evaluation of signatures, e.g., for vehicles and other equipment. Work has begun on compiling a written guide for planning and implementing field measurements with subsequent data analysis. Signature tactical behaviour, methodology for signature adaptation and deception have been continuously discussed together with The Swedish Armed Forces within the framework of other projects such as the study "Survivability - signature management", and through participation in Ag VSS. Through the project, FOI has participated in several working groups and projects, both bilaterally and within the framework of NATO's research activities and in various theme groups within the field of signature management.