The Ukrainian Air Force released a video showing Su-27 pilots employing decoy missiles in operations to suppress Russian air defenses.
The Ukrainian Air Force has revealed, in an official video, the use of ADM-160B MALD decoy missiles integrated into Su-27 fighters of the Special Operations Forces. Pilots highlighted the importance of the weapon in combined missions against Russian air defense systems.
“Today I launched ADM-160 MALD missiles. They are designed to bear the weight of air defense, to create obstacles. This missile is a deception for enemy systems. At the same time, at another airfield, our colleagues are programming Storm Shadow or SCALP missiles to strike the enemy,” reported one Ukrainian pilot.
+ Click here to watch the video
According to the military, MALDs operate in conjunction with HARM anti-radiation missiles and long-range cruise missiles such as Storm Shadow/SCALP, in attacks aimed at saturating and confusing Russian radars, paving the way for real projectiles to hit strategic targets.
History of use
The weapon has been employed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces since 2023. In May this year, MALD missile debris was found after attacks on Luhansk, a region occupied by Russian troops.
What is the ADM-160B MALD
Developed by Raytheon in 2003, the ADM-160B MALD is a 115 kg cruise missile with a range of up to 920 km. It flies at a subsonic speed of Mach 0.91 following pre-programmed routes via GPS and inertial navigation.
Its main function is not to destroy, but to deceive: it can mimic electronic signatures of aircraft, deploy active or passive electronic jamming, and act as a distraction for air defenses, reducing risks for actual strike missiles.
With foldable wings and a turbojet engine, the MALD can accompany cruise missiles or fly independently, creating multiple false targets on enemy radar.
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Source and images: Militarnyi | Ukrainian Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
