Ukraine uses realistic weapons replicas to confound Russian army

Defense Express reported the information.

Ukraine deploys realistic weapon and equipment models to divert enemy resources. These models, provided by Metinvest Group in collaboration with Ukrainian military experts, continually enhance battlefield deception efforts.

“It is no longer a secret that the Armed Forces of Ukraine actively use various mock-ups on the battlefield, which, provided that the mock-up itself and the positions around it are realistically reproduced on the battlefield, can really mislead the enemy,” Defense Express explains.

Over 250 cost-free models, simulating artillery systems and radar stations, have been supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Among them are lifelike replicas of the Soviet 152-mm D-20 howitzer, the American 155-mm M777 howitzer, and the 36D6 and AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar stations.

These authentic-looking models, when accurately positioned, effectively confuse the enemy. In a notable instance, Ukrainian forces successfully baited Russian Kalibr cruise missiles using false targets. Additionally, the Czech Republic manufactures affordable rubber models of M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS missile systems for Ukraine, saving significant costs compared to Javelin missiles.