// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Decoy

A decoy in military terms is a device used to trick enemy defense systems, making them believe it's a real missile, aircraft, or warhead, thereby drawing attention or fire away from the actual target. It mimics the appearance or electronic signals of the real item.

Decoy — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

In military and defense applications, particularly within missile and hypersonics, a decoy is a sophisticated countermeasure designed to emulate the radar, infrared, or other characteristic signatures of a legitimate weapon system or target, effectively saturating enemy sensor networks and diverting defensive fire or tracking systems away from the primary threat. These penetration aids enhance survivability against integrated air defense systems.

BACKGROUND

The AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system is an electronic countermeasure system designed and manufactured by Raytheon to protect multiple US military aircraft from air-to-air and surface-to-air radar-guided missiles. The ALE-50 towed decoy system is an anti-missile countermeasures decoy used on U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, and by air forces of other countries.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Chaff
  • Flare
  • Target simulator
  • False target
  • Penetration aid
  • Electronic countermeasure
  • Signature mimic

USAGE NOTE

Decoys are extensively employed to improve the probability of mission success and survivability for various platforms, including intercontinental ballistic missile reentry vehicles, cruise missiles, and combat aircraft, against sophisticated adversary air defense systems.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Decoy.

  • BAE Systems

    Develops advanced electronic warfare systems, including countermeasures and decoys to protect military platforms from threats.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    Offers a range of electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, including radar and infrared decoys for air, land, and sea platforms.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Develops sophisticated countermeasures and decoy systems for its aircraft, missile, and naval platforms, enhancing survivability.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Provides electronic warfare systems and advanced decoys designed to spoof enemy sensors and divert incoming threats.

  • Saab AB

    Known for its sophisticated electronic warfare suite, including advanced decoy systems and dispensers for various military platforms.

  • Chemring Group

    A specialist in energetic materials and countermeasures, developing flares, chaff, and other decoys for airborne and naval applications.

  • Leonardo S.p.A.

    Develops and supplies electronic warfare systems, including integrated self-protection suites that incorporate advanced decoy technologies.

  • Thales Group

    Offers advanced electronic warfare solutions and countermeasure systems, including decoys to protect air and naval assets.

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