The ADM-160 MALD is an air-launched, expendable decoy missile developed by the United States. It uses gradient-index optics to create a radar cross section that simulates allies' airplane, in order to stimulate, confuse, and degrade the capability of missile defense systems. Later variants (MALD-J) are additionally equipped with electronic countermeasures to actively jam early warning and target acquisition radars.
ADM-160B, Air Force Armament Museum
Dummies and decoys are fake military equipment that are intended to deceive the enemy. Dummies and decoys are only one aspect of military deception.
Inflatable S-300 missile system
F-16 mockups on a fake taxiway at Spangdahlem Air Base, 1985
Dummy replica aircraft used by US Navy to train aircraft ordnance technicians during World War II