Russian AI systems could mistake a mannequin for a real soldier, wasting ammunition on a dummy rather than an actual military position Russian forces are building fake military positions equipped with mannequins dressed as soldiers in an apparent attempt to deceive Ukrainian drones, including those fitted with artificial intelligence, according to reports. Images shared by outlets including the influential Exilenova+ Telegram channel appear to show the decoy targets in place. “In the occupied territories, Russian terrorists began to massively install mock-ups of mobile fire groups on the highways, probably a kind of fight against UAVs with artificial intelligence, which independently detect targets,” the channel said in a post. The makeshift installations resemble small defensive posts, with trenches, firing positions and shelters populated by dummy soldiers in military uniforms and equipment. Meant to confuse Ukrainian drones The tactic may be aimed at exploiting AI-powered drones capable of identifying targets and guiding themselves towards them. Such systems could mistake a mannequin for a real soldier, wasting ammunition on a dummy rather than an actual military position. The decoys could also mislead Ukrainian reconnaissance by making Russian forces appear more numerous than they are, forcing commanders to spend time and resources investigating false targets. The tactic comes as Ukraine steps up attacks on Russian supply routes, including trucks and fuel tankers. Moscow has responded by deploying mobile teams equipped to shoot down drones, but Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted those positions as well. Both Russia and Ukraine have used inflatable or otherwise realistic dummy equipment during the current war, including fake tanks, aircraft and artillery systems, to mislead enemy surveillance and draw attacks away from real targets.
Using decoys is a military tactic with roots in the Second World War. (Getty Images, Telegram/Exilenova+)
