Fake planes at Engels airport. The Russians want to confuse the Ukrainians

Russian forces have reportedly employed deceptive tactics at the military airport in Engels, Saratov Oblast, as part of their efforts to minimize potential losses during attacks by Ukrainian forces. Recent satellite photos from September 29 reveal that Russian bombers stationed at the airport have been painted with white “sketches” of Tu-95 aircraft on the tarmac. These white “bombers” appear to have been created by cutting canvas or fabric, though there are indications that the actual machines have been painted.

The Russians want to confuse the Ukrainians

Furthermore, in an attempt to make the Tu-95 bombers appear more realistic, Russians are said to have painted tires on them. This practice began in early September as a means of protecting the planes from attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, these painted bombers cannot cast shadows, which makes them distinguishable from genuine aircraft.

The purpose behind this deceptive strategy is multifaceted. It may aim to confuse satellites that collect data on potential strike targets, although high-resolution satellite imagery can still distinguish real planes from these painted decoys. However, the tactic might be effective with lower-resolution images. Another goal is to bewilder Ukrainian forces conducting attacks, particularly during nighttime or under conditions of poor visibility.

In addition to these tactics, it was previously reported that Russians had resorted to covering their bombers with car tires in response to repeated attacks by Ukrainian forces. This tactic involved placing tires on the wings and central sections of the aircraft. Satellite imagery indicated that this practice was not isolated and was ongoing at the time.

Overall, the Russians appear to be employing various methods to minimize potential losses and deceive both satellites and Ukrainian forces, although the effectiveness of such tactics remains questionable.