Decoy tactics have been an essential part of military strategy for centuries. Modern warfare has only refined these techniques, making them more effective than ever.
One of the latest tools in this arsenal is the ADM-160B MALD, a U.S.-supplied decoy missile designed to confuse enemy air defense systems.
Ukraine has been using these advanced decoys in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
These missiles are playing a critical role in striking heavily defended targets.
By simulating real aircraft, they force Russian air defenses to react, allowing actual missiles and bombers to reach their intended destinations.
Can Imitate Flight Patterns
The ADM-160B MALD, developed by Raytheon, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2009.
Unlike traditional missiles, it carries no explosive warhead. Instead, it is equipped with sophisticated electronics that mimic the radar signature of various aircraft.
This makes it appear to be a real threat, drawing fire away from high-value targets, according to WP.
These decoys can also imitate flight patterns, making them even more convincing.
By overwhelming enemy defenses with false targets, they help expose and weaken anti-aircraft systems.
Older radar systems struggle to distinguish between the decoys and actual aircraft, leading to wasted missiles and resources.
Russia has claimed to have shot down several of these decoys, but that may indicate they are working as intended.
By engaging these false targets, Russian forces may be leaving themselves vulnerable to follow-up attacks by real missiles.
In Ukraine, MALD missiles have been deployed alongside advanced weaponry such as Storm Shadow cruise missiles and ATACMS ballistic missiles.
They have also been paired with AGM-88 HARM missiles, which specifically target enemy radar installations.
Newer versions of the MALD, such as the ADM-160C, can even jam enemy radar systems. These enhancements make them even more effective in disrupting air defenses.
With a range of 920 kilometers and the ability to stay in the air for 45 minutes, these decoys are proving to be a valuable asset for Ukraine’s military.
