S-300 is a series of long-range surface-to-air missile systems, in use since 1978. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the S-300 turned out to be a devastating weapon. However, at least some of them appear to be inflated. Why do Russian forces use inflatable missile systems?
It’s really not that rare. Inflatable and wooden models have been used for a very long time, especially since the First World War when aerial reconnaissance became a real tool of war. During World War II, the Allies used inflatable tanks to fake their advances, while some real tanks were disguised to look like supply trucks. This type of trick is used to provoke an opponent’s reaction. For example, they could muster their forces to defend against the assault of armored units that simply didn’t exist.
The Russian inflatable S-300 missile system is an example of similar thinking. They are believed to have been built in the early 2010s, although simulations of various weapons systems have certainly been used by the Russian Armed Forces before that. These inflatable systems are true to life in color, shape and size. They are made in an established balloon factory and can be transported and inflated very quickly. And they serve a number of different functions.
S-300 is made of hot air balloon material. Image credit: Vitaly V. Kuzmin via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
First of all, these fake S-300 missile systems are designed to deceive the enemy. Aerial and satellite reconnaissance struggle to distinguish between real and inflatable systems.
This has a twofold effect. First of all, the Russians hope that the Ukrainians will aim for inflatable weapons and miss the real ones. Second, Russian forces are trying to mimic a strong air defense situation that could prevent Ukrainian air forces from operating in a particular area.
All missile systems, including inflatable systems, require radar. Image credit: Xabier Eskisabel via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Furthermore, these inflatable S-300 systems are supposed to be used in occupied Crimea, a popular tourist destination. Ordinary people have a habit of taking pictures of military subjects, which is not what the armed forces want. Giving them a fake S-300 system to see from a distance gives civilians a sense of security and gives them a harmless backdrop for their holiday selfies.
Open source intelligence proved extremely valuable during Russia’s and both sides’ invasion of Ukraine and reviewed each other’s social media profiles and reports. The S-300 inflatable system looks real in these amateur photos.
Ukraine is also using fake weapons. It is said that Russia destroyed several wooden HIMARS systems, placed in tactical positions in order to spoil Russia’s estimate of how many of these weapons Ukraine has. By firing at the drones, the Russians could give up their position.
The inflatable S-300 missile system can be used in training and war games. Image credit: RIA Novosti Archive via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Finally, the inflatable S-300 system was also used in training. Moving an S-300 is really expensive and difficult. If live-fire drills aren’t planned, they can stay away using inflatable models, helping the military learn to work around these systems.
