If a US missile launcher is spotted on the battlefield, it may have come from a factory in the Czech Republic – and it’s just a copy. The advantages of the deception technique are obvious. Inflatable battle tanks and armored cars cost between 10,000 and 100,000 euros. The dummies can provoke enemy fire and trick the enemy into pointless firing much more expensive missiles.
In a hall in the border town of Děčín, seamstresses sit behind machines to sew pieces of fabric together. You work for the company Inflatech, which makes inflatable dolls from heavy military vehicles. Since the beginning of the Russian offensive war against Ukraine, there is even more work to be done here.
What seems simple is actually high tech
Director Vojtěch Fresser: “If you don’t use binoculars, you can no longer tell at a distance of 150 to 200 meters whether it is real technology or a dummy.” However, it is much more important to recreate the heat and radar signature faithfully to the original. How exactly this happens is not revealed – but it works.
Tank is unfolded like an inflatable boat
Two of his employees carry a large black bag to the courtyard in front of the company building. With just a few movements they unfold like a rubber boat a dummy main battle tank of American design. A compressor blows air in and the artificial silk vehicle extends upwards. A metal rod gives the cannon the necessary stability, while some residents look a little surprised.
From bouncy castles to battle tanks
The company started in 2014 as a garage company that also occasionally made bouncy castles for children. Deliveries to NATO, EU and partner countries. The company now has 20 employees – soon there will be twice as many. A turnover of at least 150 million euros is expected for this year. A lot of money in the structurally weak region.
Russian military bloggers reported that there are special units in the Russian army that specialize in such deception maneuvers. At the end of January, the Ukrainian General Staff announced that Russian troops in the Zaporizhia region were trying to feign a larger presence with inflatable tanks.
Czech Republic major supporter of Ukraine
In the fight against the Russian invasion, the Czech Republic is one of the main supporters of the Kiev government. The list of real military equipment provided so far by the Prague government and arms companies is long: 89 main battle tanks, 226 infantry fighting vehicles, 33 multiple rocket launchers – and much more.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
