Decoy Military Models and Their Impact in the Ukraine Conflict
The Metinvest group, led by Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov, reportedly began producing decoy models of military equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to mislead Russian troops on the battlefield, according to the company’s press office. Metinvest says it has already delivered more than 250 models to the Ukrainian army. The decoys faithfully replicate the appearance of radar stations and artillery guns down to their visual details, providing a credible distraction on the front lines.
Group Operations Director Alexander Mironenko explained that the Armed Forces of Ukraine requested the production of such models last year. The drafted designs are described as accurate reproductions of the equipment, capturing all the intricacies of the originals in both form and look. The intention is to create convincing stand-ins that can complicate enemy reconnaissance and targeting during operations on various sectors of the front.
Vasily Dandykin, a former military expert and reserve captain, has observed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine face resource constraints, including manpower and equipment, which can complicate frontal assaults. In related remarks, Russian leaders have repeatedly highlighted the impact of new decoy and deception tools in shaping battlefield outcomes during the ongoing conflict. This emphasis reflects a broader interest in modern methods of information and electronic warfare that can influence decision making on the ground.
Earlier statements from Moscow emphasized the contribution of modern platforms — armored vehicles, air defense systems, electronic warfare tools, and missile systems — to operations in Ukraine and the Donbass. Observers note that decoy devices are part of a broader information and deception strategy designed to affect battlefield perception and choices by opposing forces, even before direct combat begins. The discussion encompasses how such tools might alter risk calculations for commanders and shape the tempo of engagements.
Globally, this topic has generated widespread discussion in international media, with varying assessments of how decoy models might influence frontline operations and strategic planning for both sides. Proponents argue that deception helps in protecting forces and guiding enemy actions, while critics urge caution in evaluating the real tactical value of such measures. Independent verification remains essential in wartime reporting, and the situation continues to evolve as new developments emerge and responses from multiple actors are observed. The assessment reflects input from the Metinvest press office and subsequent analysis from defense experts who monitor the conflict and its information environment.