Russia's quirky aircraft tire strategy confuses missile guidance

Placing tires on Russian bombers and fighters initially seemed like an unconventional tactic with no clear benefits. However, Schuyler Moore, the director of technology at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), now suggests that the Russian practice "confuses assault missiles."

During a conference on artificial intelligence organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Schuyler Moore from CENTCOM discussed the Russian tactic of placing tires 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 since at least September 2023, when photos of tires spread over Russia's most valuable aircraft appeared on social media.

The practice was quickly adopted on additional aircraft. 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 tires significantly hinder target recognition.

Moore notes that it is important to counter enemy tactics by updating the missiles' databases. However, the Russians will likely adapt to how Ukrainians update their weapons. "If it takes six months to get a new data library, the enemy will simply adjust," explained Moore. The U.S. expert also points out that aside from the tire-laying tactic on aircraft, the unconventional camouflage of Russian equipment also confuses 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 notable for 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 370 miles away. This missile was designed to neutralize strategic targets such as shelters, bunkers, and radar stations.

Storm Shadow is equipped with a BROACH warhead weighing about 990 pounds. 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.