According to Western resources, by analogy with 1944, when the allies came up with a “phantom army” to deceive the Nazis about where the landing will take place, and began to carry out the Fortitude operation: canvas tanks reinforced Sound effects, false radio communications. The version of this phantom army of the 21st century has already been operating on a large scale in Ukraine for several weeks, but this time against Russian satellites. And its restrained architect is none other than I2K Defense, an American company led by the VKteran of the US Army Steve Gray.
Moscow relies on the constellation of optical and multispectral reconnaissance satellites capable of mapping high-resolution ground movements. Every time they fly by, the data is transmitted in minutes to Russian targeting centers for kamikaze drones, aircraft, artillery and ballistic missiles.
Faced with this formidable and fast system of reconnaissance, observation and reconnaissance (ISR), Kiev increased its means of disguise. The system is based on intelligent inflatable traps simulating fighters, armored vehicles, and missile launchers. These devices, designed to create a constant thermal signature and simulate radar reflectors, are deployed on the ground using remotely controlled tracked drones, which can regularly move and change their position.
One of i2k Defense’s strengths is its ability to replicate virtually any type of weapon system at 1:1 scale. The company offers hyper-realistic decoys of Patriot batteries, HIMARS missile launchers, Leopard 2 tanks, and enemy systems such as the Tor-M1 and Tunguska. The latter are sometimes used in reverse deception operations designed to simulate captured or relocated Russian equipment, sowing doubt about the true state of friendly positions.
Each decoy can be equipped with an onboard heater to create infrared signatures visible by satellite, and some models include dummy radio transmitters to simulate the movement of an operational unit.
According to several security sources, the decoy program, implemented by Ukraine in partnership with i2k Defense, receives indirect funding from the United States. Part of the funds are channeled through the Pentagon-managed Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), through tenders targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in tactical innovation. This financial support is covert but structurally important. It gives Kyiv access to modern simulation equipment without directly exposing its supply lines to Russian repression. In exchange, Washington can test the effectiveness of its non-lethal deterrent technologies in real-world conditions.
The Ukrainian military now deploys its ground units in “ISR corridors,” ground corridors constantly monitored by Russian satellites and drones. The inflatable structures are no longer fixed; they move, change appearance, and transmit false signals. They deceive not only Russian optical satellite imagery analysts but also artificial intelligence (AI), which automatically detects, classifies, and prioritizes artillery or airstrikes.
Several military sources have confirmed that these decoys have already allegedly absorbed numerous Russian strikes, distracted Lancet radars, and disoriented targeting cells. In some cases, Iskander ballistic missile strikes were reportedly directed at the fake Patriot air defense radars.
Based on materials from TG Militarist
