Is Ukraine using an aircraft-imitating missile to confuse Russian defences?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen the use of various weapons and tactics by both sides. One of the most intriguing developments is the possible deployment of an air-launched decoy weapon by Ukraine to deceive and disrupt Russian air defences.
According to some reports, images on social media of wreckage in the Russian-held city of Luhansk seemingly also show what appears to be the remains of an ADM-160B MALD (Miniature Air-Launched Decoy) 1. The MALD is a missile developed by the United States that uses gradient-index optics to create a radar cross section that simulates an airplane, in order to confuse missile defence systems.
The MALD can be programmed to fly a pre-determined course that mimics the flight profile and signature of any aircraft, from a small jet fighter to a bomber. The MALD can also operate in both decoy and jammer modes, using a datalink for situational awareness and in-flight targeting adjustments 2. The MALD is designed to be launched from various platforms, such as the F-16, F-22, F-35, B-1B, B-52, P-8A Poseidon, MQ-1 Predator, and MQ-9 Reaper.
The purpose of using the MALD is to create a diversion for the enemy air defences, forcing them to fire and reveal their positions, or to exhaust their ammunition and resources. The MALD can also act as a stand-in jammer, disrupting the enemy radar and communication systems. This can create an opening for the real aircraft to strike the target with precision-guided munitions or anti-radiation missiles, such as the AGM-88 HARM or the ALARM.
The use of the MALD by Ukraine, if confirmed, would indicate a significant upgrade in its air power and electronic warfare capabilities. It would also suggest a close cooperation and support from the United States, which has been providing military aid and training to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2014. The MALD is a relatively low-cost and modular system that has the potential to keep aviators and aircraft out of harm’s way.
However, the MALD is not a silver bullet that can guarantee air superiority or victory. The MALD has a limited range and endurance, and can be detected and countered by advanced air defence systems, such as the Russian S-400 Triumf, which has a long-range and multi-functional radar that can track and engage multiple targets. The MALD can also be vulnerable to low-flying threats, such as cruise missiles, and may require protection from point-defence systems, such as the Tor or Pantsyr-S1.
The MALD is therefore a valuable but not decisive tool in the complex and dynamic air warfare environment. It is part of a larger strategy and doctrine that aims to suppress and neutralize the enemy air defences, and to achieve air dominance and freedom of action.
