Today at 01:03
Ukrainian fighter pilots have gained the ability to deploy ADM-160 MALD decoy missiles from Su-27 aircraft, enhancing their airstrike capabilities, the Air Force reports.
“Today, I conducted launches of ADM-160 MALD missiles. They are designed to absorb the main blow of enemy air defenses and create electronic interference. These missiles act as decoys for air defense systems. Meanwhile, at another airbase, our comrades are programming Storm Shadow or SCALP missiles to strike enemy targets,” — said a Ukrainian Su-27 pilot.
During such operations, anti-radar HARM missiles are also employed. The MALD missiles are integrated into combined strike operations, intended to suppress and overload enemy air defense systems so that long-range cruise missiles can reach designated targets.
ADM-160B MALD Overview:
- Developed by Raytheon in 2003.
- Weighs 115 kg and can travel up to 920 km on a pre-programmed route at subsonic cruise speed of 0.91 Mach.
- Features foldable wings for compact transport; wings deploy after launch, activating the turbojet engine.
- Navigation is carried out via an inertial system with GPS support.
- Equipped with active or passive electronic countermeasures to serve as a decoy, distinguishing it from a standard combat missile.
- Advanced versions can mimic the electronic signature of specific targets, such as aircraft.
The MALD has been used by Ukrainian forces since 2023, with debris from a missile found in May 2023 following a strike on temporarily occupied Luhansk. In 2024, it was confirmed that MiG-29 fighters could also deploy these missiles.
