Russia Lacks Night-Vision Technology
Russian forces in Ukraine are struggling to see in the dark, despite having night-vision gear. The article discusses the reasons behind this problem, including Russia’s inability to afford the high-end night-vision gear. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been stocking up on night-vision gear, thanks to donations and supplies from the West.
The Advantages of Night-Vision Gear
Before discussing the reasons behind Russia’s lack of night-vision technology, it’s essential to understand the advantages of having night-vision gear in warfare.
The Use of Night-Vision Gear in Warfare
Night-vision gear has proved to be a game-changer in warfare. It helps soldiers to operate at night when all of the rest of the world’s defenses are at 10% of what they are in the daytime.
The Two Types of Night-Vision Gear
There are two types of night-vision gear, including:
- Thermal imagers, which detect the infra-red radiation given off by warm objects and display it using bright colors
- Devices called photomultipliers that turn light into electrical signals, amplifying what little light is available. These turn the world an eerie monochrome green.
Why Russia Lacks Night-Vision Technology?
The article explores the reasons why Russia is struggling to see effectively in the dark despite having night-vision gear.
The Cost of Night-Vision Technology
Night-vision technology is expensive. Some individual helmet-mounted night-vision goggles retail for tens of thousands of dollars for a single unit. As a result, Russia cannot afford to equip its forces with expensive night-vision capabilities.
Lack of Equipment for Russian Soldiers
Russian soldiers are equipped poorly when it comes to weapons, armor, and combat technology, and the average soldier does not get night-vision gear. Only a select few special forces and reconnaissance units get the gear.
Corruption in the Russian Armed Forces
With corruption running rampant in the Russian armed forces, some groups that get access to higher-end equipment like night-vision systems likely hoard them.
How Ukraine Benefits From Night-Vision Technology?
The article discusses how Ukraine has benefited from its access to night-vision technology.
The Advantage of Night-Vision for Ukraine
Thanks to Western-provided equipment, Ukraine has the advantage in the dark and can launch nighttime assaults against Russian forces. Ukraine has access to a variety of night-vision systems, including thermal and infrared vision technology, which has helped them operate at night.
Increasing Access to Night-Vision Technology for Ukrainian Forces
Ukraine has been stocking up on night-vision gear since 2014, and it continues to get supplies from the West. Britain, for instance, promises to send more night-vision equipment to Ukraine.
Conclusion
The article concludes that Russia struggles to see in the dark despite having night-vision gear because of various reasons, such as high costs and the inability to equip the average soldier with modern technology. Meanwhile, Ukraine benefits from its access to night-vision technology, which gives it an advantage in nighttime operations.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why is night-vision important in warfare?
Night-vision gear is essential to operate in the dark when other defenses are low. So, it gives soldiers an advantage in a conflict.
2. Why can’t the Russian military afford night-vision gear?
Night-vision technology is expensive, and the Russian military is already struggling to equip its soldiers properly with other essential equipment like weapons and armor.
3. Does every Ukrainian soldier have access to night-vision gear?
No, not every Ukrainian soldier has access to night-vision gear. Only a select few special forces and reconnaissance units get the gear.
4. How can I differentiate between the two types of night-vision gear?
You can differentiate between the two types of night-vision gear. Thermal imagers detect the infra-red radiation given off by warm objects and display it using bright colors. Meanwhile, devices called photomultipliers turn light into electrical signals, amplifying what little light is available, turning the world an eerie monochrome green.
5. Is night-vision gear legal for civilians to own?
Yes, night-vision gear is legal for civilians to own. However, owning night-vision gear requires permission from the government.