They say image is everything. To that end, Russia has developed blowup versions of tanks, jets and the rest of its arsenal. The inflatables, which, the BBC reports, appear to be real weapons to radar and thermal detectors, are all about looking tough on the cheap. Remind you of anyone?

BBC:

These state-of-the-art stand-ins are among the most advanced military decoys in the world.

What they lack in firepower, they make up for in flexibility: they are light and can be deployed quickly to deceive the enemy.

They are also very realistic. They are made of a special material that tricks enemy radar and thermal imaging into thinking they are real weapons.

Read more

Your support is crucial...

As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.

Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality beneath the headlines — without compromise.

Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG