Iran Fools Israel With Inflatable Tanks

Posted by Reza Samo

Iran again fooled Israel with a surprisingly simple military trick.

Military decoys have been used for decades, but Iran appears to be taking the tactic to a new level. Reports suggest Tehran has purchased thousands of inflatable tanks, fighter jets, and missile launchers—many reportedly sourced from China—to mislead enemy surveillance and airstrikes.

The strategy is straightforward but effective: create realistic-looking targets that draw enemy fire away from real military assets. In some cases, it could mean forcing an opponent to spend a $2 million precision missile on a $500 inflatable decoy.

These fake systems are designed to look convincing from satellite imagery, drones, and even certain radar systems. From a distance, they can appear nearly identical to real armored vehicles or missile platforms, making it difficult for attackers to immediately distinguish between genuine and fake targets.

According to some reports, the tactic may already be complicating targeting decisions during the conflict. By flooding the battlefield with decoys, Iran could potentially increase the cost of airstrikes for its adversaries while protecting its actual equipment from destruction.

  • CrossFireArabia

    CrossFireArabia

    Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

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