Recent developments in military technology show how deception has become a vital part of modern warfare. Precision weapons and advanced sensors have pushed armed forces to adopt sophisticated decoys and countermeasures. These systems confuse enemy targeting and protect valuable assets. India’s use of AI-enabled decoys during Operation Sindoor exemplifies this trend. Across air, land, and sea, decoys now form a critical layer of defence that complements firepower.
Evolution of Military Deception
Deception in warfare has evolved from simple battlefield tricks to complex electronic and physical countermeasures. Modern decoys exploit radar, thermal, acoustic, and electromagnetic signatures to mislead enemy sensors. By creating false targets, they waste enemy munitions and provide time for real platforms to evade or counterattack. Digital technologies and AI have enhanced the realism and effectiveness of these decoys.
India’s Deployment of Airborne Decoys
India’s Air Force reportedly used the X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) during Operation Sindoor. This system, developed by Israel’s Rafael, attaches to Rafale fighters and mimics their radar and electronic signatures. It integrates with the aircraft’s SPECTRA electronic warfare suite to create a multi-layered defence. Reports suggest Pakistan’s J-10C fighters mistook X-Guard decoys for real aircraft, leading to wasted missile strikes and confusion.
Technical Features of the X-Guard Decoy
The X-Guard weighs about 30 kg and is retractable and reusable. It replicates the radar cross-section, doppler velocity, and spectral signatures of the Rafale across multiple radar bands. Its 360-degree jamming capability supports the aircraft’s onboard countermeasures. This system enhances survivability by creating convincing false targets that deceive both operators and automated tracking systems.
Land-Based Decoys and Their Role
Ground forces use inflatable, radar-reflective, and heat-emitting decoys to simulate tanks, artillery, and command posts. These decoys deceive enemy ISR and precision weapons, absorbing expensive munitions. Conflicts like the Gulf War and Ukraine have shown their value. India is developing decoys to mimic T-90S/SK tanks’ thermal and acoustic signatures to counter drone and missile threats.
Naval Decoys and Countermeasures
Navies deploy floating chaff, acoustic decoys, and active offboard systems to protect warships from missile and submarine attacks. The Nulka active missile decoy, developed by Australia and the US, mimics a large vessel’s radar signature independently of its ship. This draws radar-guided missiles away from real targets, enhancing naval survivability.
Global Trends and Future Prospects
Decoy systems are increasingly integrated with AI and electronic warfare suites. They are adapted for manned and unmanned platforms alike. Countries like the US, China, Russia, and Israel invest heavily in deception technologies. The trend points to more autonomous and adaptive decoys that can respond dynamically to evolving threats.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of electronic warfare in modern aerial combat with suitable examples.
- Explain the significance of deception technologies in enhancing the survivability of ground forces in contemporary conflicts.
- What are the strategic advantages of integrating unmanned aerial vehicles with electronic countermeasure systems? Discuss with examples.
- Comment on the evolution of naval defence systems in response to missile threats and how active decoys contribute to maritime security.
