Decoy Barges, Smokescreen — Russia Braces For Ukraine Missiles To Slam Into Strategic Crimea Bridge

Kremlin is reportedly taking "unusual" steps to protect the significant Kerch Strait Bridge, the strategic link between Russia and Crimea, from a Ukrainian standoff missile attack. The bridge, which includes both automotive and rail lanes, is a vital infrastructure for Russia to defend Crimea, which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia has deployed two decoy barges on the east side of the main bridge toward the Sea of Azov. These barges were towed in from the naval base at Novorossiysk, where they are usually moored, reported defense analyst H I Sutton.

Interestingly, these barges are covered in radar reflectors, which are metallic devices used to make them more visible to radar. This will make the barges decoys, confusing incoming missiles aimed at Kerch Bridge. Radar reflectors were also seen affixed to the shallows near the bridge, though it is unclear whether it was a countermeasure or navigational feature, reported The Drive.

"These measures are unusual and suggest improvisation. There is no ‘standard’ defense, but in wartime, people try their best to reduce the risks... The target barges are not designed for this. They are for training your own forces on hitting ships," Sutton told The Drive.

Besides, videos that did rounds last week showed Russia dispersing aerosols around the bridge. This tactic, called the smokescreens, is a standard countermeasure used to shield military movements. A specific type of aerosol that can render useless the infrared seekers on precision-guided munitions is usually used in such circumstances. Russia is reportedly notorious for using smokescreens and has dedicated troops for the purpose.

However, in this case, the aerosols covered parts of the bridge in thick white smoke, blinding drivers and causing accidents. "The aerosol had stopped by the time the satellites passed, so likely it was only a test," Sutton added. Several videos showing drivers struggling over a thick cloud of aerosols went viral on social media last week.

Though the bridge is currently unaccessible for Ukrainians as they lack long-range weapons, Russia seems to be doing everything to protect the bridge.

The 11-mile-long bridge is reportedly the longest one in Europe and connects Crimea and Russia. It is also a general supply route into the peninsula and is used to transport Russian military equipment. It also acts as something of a strategic choke point, added The Drive report. Besides, the bridge also lets Russia control all shipping into Ukraine’s ports on the Sea of Azov.