Ukraine to get inflatable F-16 decoys to deceive Russian military jets, drones.

A few weeks after Ukraine received the first F-16 fighter jets from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, a company in the Czech Republic presented inflatable decoys bearing the markings of the Ukrainian Air Force. The Czech company Inflatech showcased its inflatable decoy at the Defense Exhibition of Industry Day in Denmark. The Danish Ministry of Defense's Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) organized the exhibition.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

F-16 decoy presented with Ukrainian livery at DALO 24 (Picture source: Inflatech)

The F-16 decoy was unveiled by the Czech company Inflatech, which has provided various types of decoys to Ukraine in the past. It is therefore very likely that decoys of advanced fighters will soon arrive in Ukraine and fulfill their initial purpose: to deceive Russian forces.

However, unconfirmed reports have been made that the United States has also provided F-16 decoys to Kyiv, and the country is also building its own versions in workshops across the country. In the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, there have been several first-person views (FPV) of drones and missile attacks on air bases and military facilities with the aim of destroying aircraft and other equipment while they are not actively flying or in action.

Arrival of the F-16s in Ukraine

The arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Kyiv was hailed as a significant boost to Ukraine's resistance and offensive efforts. The first report on the arrival of the F-16s was published in July 2024.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky then stated that his country had received the planes and thanked NATO allies for their support. During the speech, two F-16 fighter jets bearing the Ukrainian trident on their tails and draped in camouflage nets were stationed behind Zelensky, while two others took off to fly in formation.

The arrival of the planes in Ukraine was hailed as a game-changer for Kyiv and its resistance efforts. Zelensky stated in his speech on August 5 that the pilots of his country were learning to fly a fighter jet and that they would soon be in action. Although the exact number of F-16s that Kyiv has at its disposal today is unclear, NATO allies have committed to providing the country with more than 60.

In response to the escalating situation, Operation "Crabe" was launched between January 30 and February 8, 2024, deploying tracked vehicles HT 270 for the first time to combat illegal gold mining. Previously, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3 REI) relied on Bandvagn 206 (BV 206) vehicles. The decision to integrate HT 270 vehicles, acquired through the Union of Public Procurement Groups and militarized by Technamm, reflects a strategic shift in tackling the challenge posed by illegal mining activities.

The HT 270, equipped with a 169hp diesel engine and capable of carrying up to 16 infantrymen, marks a significant upgrade in mobility and firepower. Its deployment during Operation "Crabe" underscores the military's commitment to adapt and utilize advanced technology to combat illicit activities effectively. With a maximum speed of 58 km/h and a mount for a 7.62mm MAG 58 machine gun, the HT 270 enhances the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces in confronting the complex and evolving threat posed by illegal gold mining.

Despite these efforts, the persistence of illegal mining activities fueled by high gold prices and transnational networks underscores the need for sustained and coordinated action to address the root causes of the issue and safeguard the environment and local economies in French Guyana.

Ukrainian officials visiting F-16 based in Ukraine ( Picture source : Ukrainian MoD)

Inflatech Decoys

Inflatech has been making decoys for a long time, and its military offerings range from decoys for various types of tanks, missile launchers, radar systems, fighter jets, military trucks, and even naval targets. They can be installed quite easily in a few minutes and only require a few people to lay them on the ground. The company claims to produce life-size, perfectly shaped, lightweight decoys. It also specifies that its products are equipped with a radar signature generator and an integrated thermal management system. These features allow for more effective deception and can prove very useful in protecting real assets from enemy observation and attacks. The use of decoys in warfare is well-documented, and with the advent of drones and long-range attack capabilities, it will only become more relevant.

The American-Made Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was originally developed by General Dynamics for the US Air Force. Introduced as a day air superiority fighter in 1976, it has since evolved into a versatile aircraft and is now one of the most popular fighters in the world.

Many US allies and NATO countries now use and operate this combat aircraft. Today, the fighter is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, which purchased the aircraft manufacturing business from General Dynamics, solely for export.

Capable of reaching supersonic speeds, the single-engine fighter can carry multiple payloads depending on the mission and needs. It can easily carry out air-to-air combat missions and air-to-ground missions.