With the imminent arrival of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, Ukrainian volunteer organizations have already begun manufacturing decoys of the Fighting Falcon. Recently, an image was circulated showing one of these models under construction, which is likely part of a batch of several units. The measure not only follows tactics applied by both sides but is also driven by the Russian intention to destroy the fighters as soon as they enter Ukrainian territory.
Thanks to an image posted on X, what appears to be a work-in-progress of an F-16 decoy can be seen. The model in question reveals some particular details, such as the fairing that houses the braking parachute, which is found in the Fighting Falcons of Norway and the Netherlands.
Another detail is that this F-16 decoy is the work of the Apate organization, an initiative led by Ukrainian volunteers. This group already has experience in manufacturing models representing various military equipment, from mortars to satellite antennas and counter-battery radars.
Since the early days of the Ukrainian conflict, both sides have used, to varying degrees, deception and camouflage maneuvers. The Ukrainian armed forces initially took the lead by developing and deploying high-fidelity decoys. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated with numerous recorded Russian attacks on models properly placed in areas within the range of artillery, cruise missiles, or loitering munitions. The initiative was expanded with the intention of building replicas of cannons, radars, mortars, combat vehicles, and aircraft with a high degree of detail.
Like any operation in support of combat actions, deploying decoys such as the F-16s also demands close attention to detail, not just the fidelity of the replica. If it is an artillery piece, it must be placed in a position that imitates real ones, with ammunition boxes, camouflage nets, vehicle tracks, etc. The same can be said for radars or more complex systems. If the deception is more elaborate, it can even simulate thermal or electromagnetic signatures. In the case of aircraft, their arrangement and constant movement provide greater realism.
Regarding this, Ukraine has already demonstrated how combat aircraft decoys can be easily mistaken for real ones, despite the constant improvement in the electro-optical systems of Russian drones. One of the many examples occurred late last year when a mock-up of a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 attack aircraft was attacked and “destroyed” by a Lancet loitering munition at the Dolgintsevo airbase.
In recent weeks, the Russian Armed Forces have maintained an offensive against various Ukrainian bases and airfields, attacks that reportedly resulted in the destruction of several local combat aircraft, including Su-27 and Su-25. The ability to operate drones deep within the Ukrainian defensive setup, detect targets, and coordinate an attack with ballistic missiles is one of the capabilities that Moscow’s forces have perfected, and hence, one of the most feared when considering the deployment of the F-16s.
The Russian forces are aware that Ukrainian F-16 Fighting Falcons will not be able to operate from just any base, as the American-origin fighter-bombers require more complex infrastructure than Soviet-origin combat aircraft. With limited options, the Ukrainian Air Force will have to find a way to continue fighting, as it has been doing for more than two years. And decoys will undoubtedly be one of the many tools they will rely on.
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