How Are Inflatable Tanks and Flat-Pack Guns Shaping Ukraine's Decoy War?

This article explores the strategic use of decoys in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, where both sides employ various imitations of military equipment to deceive the enemy. These decoys, ranging from plywood models to inflatable replicas, aim to waste the opponent's resources, illustrating that subterfuge remains a vital aspect of modern warfare.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding Military Decoys in Modern Warfare

Decoys have played a crucial role in military strategy for centuries, but the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought their use into sharp focus. Both sides have developed sophisticated means to mislead the enemy, utilising everything from inflatable tanks to radar-appearing models. This article delves into how these tactics are employed, their effectiveness, and their historical context.

Key Takeaways

• Decoys are designed to mislead enemy forces, wasting their ammunition and resources.
• Ukraine has effectively used decoys, such as plywood models of artillery, to confuse Russian forces.
• Both sides create realistic imitations of military equipment, including drones and soldiers.
• Volunteer groups play a significant role in producing these decoys for the Ukrainian army.
• The effectiveness of decoys depends on their realistic deployment and surrounding environment.

The Role of Decoys in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In June 2023, a video surfaced on pro-war Russian social media channels, allegedly showcasing a drone strike obliterating a Ukrainian tank. However, subsequent footage revealed that the tank was, in fact, a wooden decoy, cleverly designed to mislead Russian forces. This incident exemplifies the evolving tactics of warfare where appearances can be deceiving.

What Are Military Decoys?

Military decoys are imitations of real military equipment or personnel designed to mislead the enemy. They can take various forms, including:

• Plywood models: Simple yet effective, these models replicate the appearance of tanks, artillery, and more.
• Inflatable decoys: Lightweight and easy to deploy, these can be quickly set up on the battlefield.
• 2D representations: Flat-pack models that provide a visual distraction.
• Radar reflectors: Devices engineered to mimic the radar signature of actual military assets.

Impact of Decoys on Military Strategy

The impact of decoys in modern warfare cannot be underestimated. Ukrainian forces have reportedly used decoys to great effect, with claims that at least half of the weapon types deployed are imitations. This not only misleads the enemy but also forces them to waste valuable resources, such as expensive drones and missiles.

Ukrainian Innovations in Decoy Production

Among the most notable achievements in Ukraine's use of decoys is the imitation of British-made M777 howitzers. These artillery pieces are highly regarded for their manoeuvrability and precision. Volunteer groups, such as Na Chasi, have produced around 160 models of these decoys, which can be assembled in mere minutes without any tools. According to Ruslan Klimenko from Na Chasi, "No matter how many are delivered, all will be put to good use." This reflects the critical role that civilian volunteers play in supporting military efforts.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Decoys

Producing these decoys is relatively inexpensive. For instance, the M777 decoys created by a group called Reaktyvna Poshta cost about £400-£480. In contrast, the Lancet kamikaze drones used by Russian forces can cost around £28,000. Pavlo Narozhny, from Reaktyvna Poshta, highlights the disparity: "You do the math." The cost-effectiveness of such decoys makes them an attractive option for military strategy.

Deployment Tactics for Maximum Effect

The successful use of decoys hinges on their deployment. Effective tactics include:

• Realistic positioning: Creating a genuine battlefield scene with wheel ruts and supplies increases the likelihood of deception.
• Quick substitution: Replacing real artillery with decoys after use can trick the enemy into wasting their firepower.
• Creating an illusion of activity: Using dummies and imitating radio traffic makes the decoy appear more credible.

Russian Use of Decoys

Russia has also adopted extensive decoy strategies. Reports indicate that about half of the drones used in recent attacks are imitations. Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat noted that sometimes, these look like "plywood things that seem as though they were knocked together by some schoolchildren." This illustrates the lengths to which both sides will go to create illusions on the battlefield.

Technological Innovations in Decoy Crafting

As the conflict has progressed, the technology behind decoys has improved significantly. Russian companies like Rusbal manufacture advanced imitations that can emulate heat signatures and even generate false radio traffic. This technological advancement makes it increasingly challenging for Ukrainian forces to distinguish between real threats and decoys.

A Historical Perspective on Decoys in Warfare

The use of decoys is not a novel concept in military history. For example, during World War II, the Allies set up a completely fake army equipped with dummy tanks and aircraft to mislead the Germans about the location of the D-Day landings. This historical context underscores that deception has always been a critical element of military strategy.

The Evolution of Military Deception

While the basic principles of deception remain the same, the means by which they are enacted have evolved. Modern warfare, particularly with the introduction of drones and unmanned systems, has seen a shift towards more sophisticated methods of deception, including the use of advanced technologies. The combination of human creativity and technological innovation is redefining how military forces engage in subterfuge.

Conclusion: The Future of Decoys in Warfare

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the strategic use of decoys will likely play an increasingly significant role. Both sides have demonstrated that subterfuge can effectively influence battlefield dynamics. The ongoing development of decoy technology, combined with the creativity of military strategists, will ensure that deception remains a fundamental aspect of warfare for the foreseeable future. As the landscape of military conflict evolves, the question remains: how will future conflicts adapt to the ongoing arms race of deception?

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FAQs

What are military decoys?

Military decoys are imitations of real military equipment or personnel designed to mislead enemy forces, wasting their resources and tactical planning.

How effective are decoys in modern warfare?

Decoys can be highly effective, forcing the enemy to expend valuable ammunition and time on targets that are not real, thus shifting the balance of resources and strategy.

What types of decoys are used in the Russia-Ukraine war?

Both sides use various decoys, including plywood models, inflatable replicas, radar reflectors, and even dummies of soldiers that mimic human heat signatures.

Who produces decoys for the Ukrainian army?

Volunteer groups, such as Na Chasi and Reaktyvna Poshta, play a crucial role in producing decoys for the Ukrainian army, showcasing civilian support in military efforts.

What is the historical context of decoys in warfare?

Decoys have been used throughout history, notably during World War II when Allies created a fake army with dummy tanks to mislead German forces during the D-Day landings.