UK intel: Helicopters landing on painted fighter silhouettes expose flaws in Russia’s decoy strategy
Russia paints decoy fighter jets at air bases, but helicopters landing on fakes undermine deception, revealing true aircraft numbers, per UK intelligence.
The UK Defense Ministry reports Russia’s use of decoy aircraft at airbases to counter Ukrainian strikes, a tactic undermined by helicopters landing on the decoys, revealing the true military strength at these locations.
At Kirovskoe Airfield in occupied Crimea, decoy Russian fighter aircraft have been painted on the concrete. This tactic has also been observed across at least 12 more Russian airbases, indicating a widespread effort to obfuscate Ukrainian targeting efforts. The painted decoys are meant to simulate real aircraft from a distance, potentially confusing Ukrainian intelligence and strike planning.
UK Defense Ministry wrote:
- It is likely that as a result of continued successful Ukrainian strikes on military locations, Russia has been forced to implement a number of decoy and deception techniques in an attempt to obfuscate Ukrainian targeting efforts.
- At Kirovskoe Airfield on occupied Crimea there are decoy Russian fighter aircraft painted on the concrete. Such paintings have also been observed across at least 12 more Russian air bases, demonstrating the extent of Russian concern of future Ukrainian strikes and their ability to repel them.
- However, Russian helicopters still regularly land on the painted decoy fighter silhouettes, completely undermining the deception attempt. This also reveals the true order of battle or aircraft strength at these airbases, which Russia is likely trying to mask from Ukraine’s intelligence picture.
Read also:
- Military: Russians use scorched earth tactics in Donbas, destroying everything with KAB bombs
- Air Force: Ukraine engages two Russian warplanes, downing one Su-34 bomber
- UK intel: Two A-50 AWACS aircraft downed in two months show Russia’s difficulty securing air assets
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
