The Strategic Role Of Decoys In The Conflict In Ukraine

The strategic use of decoys has become critical to Ukraine’s defence strategy in its war with Russia. Ukraine effectively misleads Russian forces by deploying decoys that mimic the visual, thermal, and radar signatures of real military assets, compelling them to expend valuable resources on false targets. This analysis explores how these deception tactics, bolstered by technological advancements, have helped Ukraine preserve its resources and amplify the psychological impact on its adversary. Drawing on examples such as Russia's exaggerated claims of destroying more HIMARS than were actually delivered, this analysis highlights the continued relevance of deception in modern warfare.