Strategic Importance of Developing Decoy Systems for India’s Air Defence
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has provided valuable insights into modern warfare tactics and technology. One significant revelation is the strategic use of decoys, which has proven highly effective in undermining enemy air defences. Ukraine’s successful use of US-made Miniature Air-Launched Decoys (MALD) has been pivotal in ensuring the success of their precision strike weapons such as Storm Shadow missiles. India’s defence capabilities can be significantly enhanced by embracing and advancing decoy technologies. The Indian Air Force (IAF) must prioritise the development and deployment of sophisticated decoys for several compelling reasons.
Utilising Decoys in Airstrike Missions
Decoys are crucial in airstrike missions due to their ability to mimic aircraft and cruise missiles. Before launching the actual strike force, several decoys are sent ahead, designed to replicate the radar signature and flight patterns of real aircraft. These decoys fly at high altitudes, mimic the speed, and perform manoeuvres typical of an attacking force. Their primary function is to engage enemy air defence systems. As decoys appear on radar, the enemy is forced to respond, often by launching surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). While the enemy is preoccupied with the decoys, the actual strike force follows a different flight path, typically flying at low altitudes to remain below radar coverage. This tactic, known as terrain masking, allows the strike force to approach the target with minimal detection risk. By the time the enemy realises the decoys are not the actual threat, it is often too late to respond effectively to the real attack, significantly increasing the mission’s success rate.
Exploiting Radar Vulnerabilities in SEAD and DEAD Missions
In SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defences) missions, radar systems are high-priority targets due to their pivotal role in detecting and tracking aircraft. To evade detection by enemy Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems, these radars typically operate in surveillance mode, emitting low-power signals intermittently and utilising sweeping beams to cover expansive areas. However, when radar systems detect potential threats, they transition to tracking mode, employing narrow, focused beams directed at specific targets. This transition renders radars more vulnerable, as their concentrated emissions reveal their location and operational status.
Decoys play a pivotal role in exploiting this vulnerability. By deploying decoys alongside or ahead of actual strike forces, radar attention is diverted, with the decoys mistaken for legitimate threats. As a result, radars switch to tracking mode, emitting stronger signals that inadvertently reveal their locations. With radar systems engaged by decoys, SEAD teams can precisely target and neutralise them using anti-radiation missiles or electronic warfare tactics. By effectively suppressing or destroying enemy air defences, SEAD operations pave the way for successful subsequent missions.
Leveraging Decoys in Missile Strikes
In modern warfare, decoys are essential in missile strikes, especially considering that cruise missiles fly at very low altitudes. Decoys can be utilised similarly to airstrike missions. Another tactic involves launching missiles alongside decoys to confuse SAMs in discriminating between threats and non-threats. Additionally, decoys can be employed in the first wave to deplete enemy SAMs, maximising the success rate of missile strikes on intended targets in the second wave.
Current Developments in India
The Indian Air Force has yet to show significant interest in acquiring decoys. However, JSR Dynamics Ltd, a private firm in India, is developing Miniature Ground Launched Decoys with a range of up to 300 km. These decoys have potential applications in airstrikes and SEAD & DEAD missions. The Air Force must prioritise developing and procuring longer-range decoys from the domestic defence industry. These advanced decoys will bolster the IAF’s capabilities across various missions, ensuring heightened operational effectiveness and survivability.
Conclusion
Leveraging decoys across airstrike, SEAD & DEAD, and cruise missile strike missions significantly enhances mission success rates. Developing and deploying advanced decoy systems is essential for India to enhance its defence capabilities, protect vital assets, and maintain a strategic edge in modern warfare.
