Decoy
What Is a Decoy?
A decoy (Turkish: sahte hedef) is a deceptive system used to protect friendly assets from enemy targeting. By mimicking the radar, infrared, or acoustic signature of a real platform, decoys draw incoming missiles, fire-control radars, or enemy attention away from high-value assets — aircraft, ships, or armored vehicles. SSB formally defines it in its official defense glossary.
Types of Decoys
- Chaff: clouds of metal-coated fibres that create false radar returns — dispensed from aircraft and ships
- Flares: pyrotechnic IR sources that seduce heat-seeking missiles away from engine exhausts
- Towed decoys: active RF repeaters towed behind aircraft to lure radar-guided missiles
- Expendable active decoys (EAD): miniature jammers that replicate platform radar signatures (e.g., ALE-50)
- Naval decoys: SRBOC/TORCH launchers firing chaff/flare rockets; towed torpedo decoys
- Ground decoys: inflatable dummy tanks and aircraft to mislead enemy ISR
Decoy Systems in Türkiye
ASELSAN produces the AKKOR active protection system that dispenses decoys against anti-tank missiles. The Turkish Air Force F-16s are equipped with standard NATO chaff/flare dispensers; ASELSAN’s HAVASOJ and towed decoy programs extend this capability. ROKETSAN’s CATS (Chaff And flare) dispensers and naval decoy launchers are fitted to Turkish warships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decoy?
A deceptive system — radar, IR, or acoustic — that lures enemy weapons away from the real target.
What is chaff?
Metal-coated fibres dispensed to create false radar reflections, confusing radar-guided missiles.
Source: SSB Defense Industry 360 Glossary of Terms.
