SOURCE: AFI
For the first time, official reports have confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) employed an innovative deception tactic during Operation Sindoor on the night of May 9–10, 2025, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) camouflaged to mimic fighter jets. These “dummy” pilotless aircraft lured Pakistani Air Force (PAF) fighters and air defense systems into targeting false threats, exposing critical radar and command-and-control positions.
The IAF’s strategy, described as a masterclass in modern warfare, blended deception, electronic warfare, and precision strikes to cripple Pakistan’s air defenses and pave the way for devastating missile attacks on 11 of 12 PAF airbases. This article explores the groundbreaking use of these decoy UAVs, their likely configurations, and their pivotal role in one of South Asia’s most significant military operations.
The IAF’s operation began with a brilliant tactical maneuver: deploying pilotless UAVs designed to mimic the radar and infrared signatures of fighter jets. These “dummy” aircraft were engineered to appear as credible threats on enemy detection systems, tricking Pakistan’s air defense network into activating its Chinese-supplied HQ-9 missile systems and scrambling PAF fighters to intercept non-existent threats. This forced Pakistan to reveal the positions of its radar installations, surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, and command-and-control centers, which became prime targets for subsequent strikes.
According to reports, the UAVs lured PAF aircraft toward incorrect areas, diverting them from the actual zones of operation where the IAF was preparing to launch its missile barrage. The decoys also triggered Pakistan’s HQ-9 systems, which rely on active radar guidance, exposing their locations. Once activated, these defenses were targeted by Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, also known as “suicide drones,” which homed in on radar emissions and destroyed key installations. This crippled the PAF’s ability to detect incoming threats, creating a window for the IAF to execute precision strikes unhindered.
While the exact models of the pilotless aircraft used in Operation Sindoor remain classified, reports suggest a combination of advanced target drones, likely including the indigenous Lakshya and the Banshee Jet 40+, both of which have been utilized in IAF exercises. These platforms are designed to mimic the signatures of larger aircraft, serving as decoys or target drones for training and operational purposes. Their advanced payload options and customizable configurations made them ideal for the IAF’s deception strategy.
The Lakshya, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a high-speed, reusable target drone used for air defense training. : The Lakshya can be equipped with payloads that amplify its radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature, making it appear as a fighter jet like a Sukhoi-30MKI or MiG-29 on enemy radars.
The drone can carry electronic countermeasures (ECM) to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, further confusing Pakistan’s air defenses. Options include sensors, explosive warheads, and decoy systems, allowing the Lakshya to simulate various aircraft profiles.
With speeds up to 700 km/h and the ability to perform evasive maneuvers, the Lakshya can convincingly replicate the flight patterns of a combat jet. The Lakshya’s ability to mimic larger aircraft and its proven reliability in IAF exercises made it a likely candidate for Operation Sindoor. Its low cost and reusability allowed the IAF to deploy multiple units to create a convincing deception.
The Banshee Jet 40+, a UK-designed target drone used by the Indian armed forces, is another probable platform. Known for its versatility, the Banshee is designed to simulate fast-moving aerial threats. The Banshee can be fitted with radar and infrared enhancers to mimic the signatures of fighter jets or cruise missiles. Capable of speeds exceeding 720 km/h, it can replicate the flight dynamics of combat aircraft. The drone supports jamming systems, decoy flares, and sensors, enabling it to confuse enemy detection systems. When not enhanced, its small size makes it difficult to track, allowing it to operate in contested environments.
The Banshee’s ability to simulate multiple aircraft types and its integration into IAF training exercises suggest it played a role in the operation, potentially complementing the Lakshya’s capabilities.
The combination of Lakshya and Banshee drones likely allowed the IAF to create a multi-layered deception. By deploying these UAVs with varying radar and infrared profiles, the IAF could simulate a large-scale fighter jet incursion, forcing Pakistan to mobilize its air defenses and fighters across multiple sectors. This misdirection diverted PAF assets away from the actual strike zones, where the IAF was preparing to launch 15 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and other precision munitions.
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