3M14 "Kalibr" cruise missiles have received modules for deploying dipole reflectors. This system creates false targets, complicating the work of air defense systems.
We are talking about L-504 blocks, which were previously recorded on air-launched Kh-101 cruise missiles. Now similar devices have begun to be used on naval "Kalibrs" as well.
Dipole reflectors are special elements that form many marks in the radar field. After they are fired, air defense crews see not one target on the screens, but several objects at once, which makes it difficult to recognize the real missile and decide on its interception.
The use of such means increases the missile's chances of overcoming layered defenses. False targets can overload tracking systems, create interference for acquisition, and force the enemy to expend expensive interceptor missiles on objects that pose no threat.
The appearance of L-504 blocks on "Kalibrs" may become one of the most notable updates to these cruise missiles recently. If the equipment becomes widespread, the task of detecting and destroying them for air defense systems will become significantly more complicated.
Earlier, "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" reported that Russian "Kalibr" missiles could have received a cluster warhead. The new configuration is capable of hitting multiple targets simultaneously.