Inflatable F-35 decoy deploys in 10 minutes to trick missiles

The article discusses the development and deployment of inflatable decoys that mimic advanced military equipment, focusing on a new inflatable F-35 fighter jet decoy created by South Korean company Sea Wolf Marine. These lightweight mock-ups can inflate into full-size replicas within minutes, emit radar and heat signatures, and realistically simulate the appearance and some functions of real weapons systems. Designed to mislead enemy sensors and waste costly missile fire, the decoys also serve to exaggerate combat strength and deter aggression. Sea Wolf has produced similar decoys for Korea’s K9 howitzer and K1A2 tank, with ongoing development for foreign weapons like the U.S. HIMARS and the F-35 itself. The inflatable F-35 decoy can be set up by two people in about 10 minutes and is transportable in trailer form. Its ability to generate electromagnetic and heat signatures makes it harder for enemies to distinguish from actual aircraft on radar and infrared sensors. This innovation reflects a broader military trend of using low-cost deception