Russian tire tactic confounds missiles, complicating drone defenses

For a long time, putting tires on Russian bombers and fighters seemed like an unconventional tactic that didn't bring tangible benefits. However, Schuyler Moore, the director of technology at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), now notes 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 referred to the Russian tactic, which has been applied for several months, of placing tires on aircraft (including Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers) to cover the fuselage and wings.

The Bulgarian Military portal states that this peculiar method appears to be a defensive measure intended to protect these aircraft from Ukrainian drone attacks. The Russian Federation has used this tactic since September 2023, when photos of tires 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 when Ukrainian forces began deploying Neptune cruise missiles against ground targets. Previously, Ukrainians had received air-launched Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, using 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, Russians are likely to adapt to how Ukrainians update their weapons. – The enemy will adjust if it takes six months to get a new data library. The Russians might add something more – 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 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 long-range cruise missiles draw attention with their advanced technology and combat capabilities.

Storm Shadow, or SCALP-EG, is a missile with a GPS/inertial guidance system and a supplementary radar. It can strike a target as far as approximately 600 kilometres 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 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.