SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has taken a strategic step toward bolstering its battlefield deception tactics by issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 54 sets of Inflatable Mock-Up Bridges. This innovative acquisition includes 48 mid-sections and 6 end-sections, designed to mimic the appearance and signatures of the in-service Ponton Modular System (PMS) Bridge. The RFI, aimed at identifying capable vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), underscores the Army’s intent to deploy these decoys across desert, semi-desert, and riverine terrains, enhancing its ability to mislead adversaries in both day and night conditions.
The Inflatable Mock-Up Bridge is engineered to be a near-perfect replica of the PMS Bridge, a modular bridging system used by the Indian Army for rapid river crossings and logistical support. In the visual spectrum (380 to 780 nm), the mock-up must be indistinguishable from the real thing when viewed from 500 meters during daytime under clear, bright sunlight, and from 100 meters at night under full moonlight. This level of fidelity ensures that enemy reconnaissance—whether human or optical—struggles to differentiate the decoy from an operational bridge at operational distances.
Beyond visual deception, the mock-up must replicate the thermal and infrared (TIR) signatures of a PMS Bridge. In the 750 to 1200 nm range, it should imitate the heat profile of a bridge exposed to sunlight or shaded, including the residual warmth of a recently shut-down prime mover engine. Additionally, in the TIR bands (3µ to 5µ and 8µ to 12µ), the mock-up must emulate the electromagnetic signature of an actual bridge, with variations based on environmental conditions, material properties, and the duration of prime mover operation. This sophisticated thermal mimicry is critical to fool advanced enemy sensors, such as thermal imaging systems or drones, which rely on heat signatures to identify targets.
The Inflatable Mock-Up Bridge is designed for rapid deployment and portability, key attributes for dynamic battlefield scenarios. The RFI specifies that setting up the mock-up should require no site preparation, allowing troops to inflate and position it quickly in diverse terrains without engineering support. In its deflated state, the system must be compact and lightweight to facilitate easy transportation—whether by truck, helicopter, or even manpower—ensuring it can be deployed to remote or contested areas with minimal logistical footprint.
This ease of use aligns with the mock-up’s role as a tactical decoy, intended to confuse adversaries about the location of actual bridging assets. By deploying these inflatable bridges, the Army can protect operational PMS Bridges, mislead enemy targeting, and force opponents to expend resources attacking false positions.
The procurement of 54 sets reflects the Indian Army’s growing emphasis on deception as a force multiplier, particularly in the context of its northern and western borders, where desert and riverine environments dominate. The PMS Bridge, a vital asset for troop mobility and logistics, is a high-value target for adversaries equipped with drones, satellites, and precision-guided munitions. By introducing inflatable mock-ups, the Army aims to dilute this threat, creating uncertainty and complicating enemy planning.
The inclusion of thermal and TIR signature replication highlights a response to the evolving nature of warfare, where infrared and heat-seeking technologies are increasingly prevalent. Whether in the scorching deserts of Rajasthan or the riverine plains of Punjab, these mock-ups will enhance survivability by drawing fire away from genuine infrastructure.
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