Russia's tyre defense tactic baffles advanced missile systems

For a long time, putting tyres on Russian bombers and fighters seemed like an unconventional tactic that didn't bring tangible benefits. However, as Schuyler Moore, the director of technology at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), now notes, the Russian practice "confuses assault missiles."

During a conference on artificial intelligence organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Schuyler Moore from CENTCOM referred to the Russian tactic, applied for several months, of placing tyres on aircraft (including Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers) covering the fuselage and wings.

"This peculiar method appears to be a defensive measure intended to protect these aircraft from Ukrainian drone attacks," reads the Bulgarian Military portal. The Russian Federation has been using this tactic at least since September 2023, when photos of tyres spread over Russia's most valuable aircraft appeared on social media.

The practice was quickly adopted on additional machines. Bulgarian Military notes that this coincided with the moment when Ukrainian forces began deploying Neptune cruise missiles against ground targets. Previously, Ukrainians had received air-launched Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which also use IR guidance devices to target their final approach. These systems scan potential targets based on a pre-loaded data library, while the tyres significantly hinder target recognition.

Moore notes that it is important to counter enemy tactics by updating the databases that missiles use. However, Russians are likely to adapt to how Ukrainians update their weapons. – "If it takes six months to get a new data library, the enemy will simply adjust." The Russians might add something more – explained Moore. The U.S. expert also points out that aside from the tyre-laying tactic on aircraft, the unconventional camouflage of Russian equipment also acts confusingly against Ukrainian missiles. This includes, among other things, painting silhouettes of aircraft at airbases or submarines at naval bases.

Moore mentioned the Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles during the conference. These are long-range cruise missiles that draw attention with their advanced technology and combat capabilities.

Storm Shadow, also known as SCALP-EG, is a missile equipped with a GPS/inertial guidance system and a supplementary radar. It can strike a target as far as approximately 595 kilometres away. This missile was designed primarily to neutralise strategic targets such as shelters, bunkers, or radar stations.

Storm Shadow is equipped with a BROACH warhead weighing about 450 kilograms. This two-stage warhead consists of a penetrator and an effective explosive charge, allowing the missile to break through reinforced obstacles before detonation. This design makes Storm Shadow an ideal tool for destroying protected targets.