The Indian Air Force (IAF) is initiating measures to acquire advanced aircraft decoys designed to precisely imitate its key fighter jets, including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and the indigenous Tejas. This strategic move aims to bolster the security of frontline airbases by deploying these realistic replicas on forward runways.
The primary goal is to mislead potential adversaries during sudden attacks, thereby providing an essential passive defence mechanism against aerial bombardments and missile strikes. This initiative underscores the IAF's focus on protecting its valuable assets in response to the regional security environment and the increased threat from modern precision weaponry.
Currently in the initial planning phase, the project prioritises the protection of critical airbases situated along India's northern and western frontiers. These locations are strategically vital, hosting squadrons of Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas jets intended to deter potential threats.
By positioning highly convincing decoys, the IAF intends to confuse enemy surveillance and weapon-guidance systems, potentially diverting attacks away from genuine aircraft and essential base infrastructure. This tactic enhances the overall survivability of operational assets during hostilities.
The use of decoys in military operations has a long history, serving to deceive opponents and conserve actual combat resources. However, contemporary decoys represent a significant technological leap from basic inflatable models.
Modern versions are engineered using materials and designs that accurately mimic the radar cross-section (RCS), heat (infrared) signature, and visual appearance of real fighter aircraft.
The decoys sought by the IAF will be specifically tailored to replicate the unique characteristics of the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas, aiming to deceive sophisticated enemy sensors deployed on satellites, reconnaissance drones, or attacking aircraft.
Explaining the rationale, an IAF official noted, "The idea is to create uncertainty." During a surprise strike, effective deception can buy invaluable time. "If the enemy wastes munitions on decoys, it gives us time to scramble jets, activate defences, or reposition assets," the official added.
Key forward airfields, such as those near contested border areas which station Rafale and Su-30 MKI squadrons, are considered prime targets for such pre-emptive attacks. Protecting the growing fleet of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, deployed at bases like Sulur and Jodhpur, is also becoming increasingly important.
These sophisticated decoys could vary in form, potentially including inflatable structures treated with radar-reflective materials or more robust modular frames made from fiberglass or metal, designed for rapid deployment by ground personnel. To counter heat-seeking missiles, some decoys might incorporate heating elements to simulate the infrared signature of running jet engines.
The IAF is expected to study international best practices, such as decoys employed effectively in past conflicts, while ensuring the final designs meet India's specific operational environment and aircraft profiles.
While a formal procurement process has not yet begun, indications suggest the project will align with the Indian government's "Make in India" (Atmanirbhar Bharat) initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence production.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which possesses expertise in related areas like electronic warfare and camouflage technologies, could potentially spearhead the development, possibly collaborating with established private and public sector defence firms like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) or Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Domestic manufacturing is anticipated to manage costs, estimated preliminarily at ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore for an initial set of 50 to 100 decoys, while bolstering indigenous defence capabilities.
Industry sources anticipate that the IAF might issue a Request for Information (RFI) to gather technical and commercial details by mid-2025, targeting the actual procurement phase for the 2027-2028 timeframe. The initial deployment strategy would likely focus on airbases facing the highest threat levels, with a potential subsequent rollout to other secondary airfields.
To maximise their effectiveness, these decoys will be integrated with existing Camouflage, Concealment, and Deception (CCD) strategies employed at airbases, which can include hardened aircraft shelters and potentially even dummy runway segments.
Compared to the immense cost of modern fighter jets or advanced air defence systems, decoys represent a highly cost-effective method for enhancing survivability. A single Rafale aircraft costs upwards of ₹1,600 crore, and a Su-30 MKI is valued at over ₹400 crore, making their protection paramount.
If a relatively inexpensive decoy, potentially costing between ₹5 lakh and ₹20 lakh, can draw fire from a multi-crore missile or protect a vastly more expensive aircraft, the strategic and financial benefits are significant.
Furthermore, these decoys generally require minimal upkeep and can be replaced quickly if damaged or destroyed, allowing for sustained deception capability during a prolonged conflict.
