During a high-stakes four-day war-like situation with Pakistan in May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reported to have successfully deployed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered towed decoy system, X-Guard, as part of its aerial operations under Operation Sindoor. The technology played a critical role in shielding IAF assets and reportedly misled Pakistani radar and missile systems into targeting decoys instead of actual fighter aircraft.
The X-Guard system, developed by Rafale Advanced Defense Systems, is a 30-kilogram AI-enabled electronic countermeasure that trails behind the Rafale aircraft on a 100-meter fiber-optic cable. It emits a powerful 500-watt, 360-degree jamming signal and mimics the radar cross-section, Doppler shift, and movement profile of an actual jet. This makes it appear indistinguishable from a real aircraft to enemy radars and missile seekers.
AI Decoy Credited With Neutralising Air Threats
According to a report by idrw.org, the system’s performance during Operation Sindoor was instrumental in neutralising the effectiveness of Pakistan’s Chinese-origin PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and the radar systems on J-10C fighter jets. The PL-15E is an export variant of the PL-15, and analysts suggest it lacks robust spoofing resistance — a vulnerability the X-Guard appears to have exploited.
Ryan Bodenheimer, a former US Air Force pilot with experience flying both F-15E and F-16 aircraft, described the system as “the best spoofing and deception we’ve ever seen,” adding that it may have redefined electronic warfare norms. He noted that some Pakistani claims of having shot down Indian Rafale jets may have instead involved hits on X-Guard decoys.
Open source defence analysis and satellite data have not conclusively verified aircraft losses on either side, though multiple Pakistani claims of successful engagements emerged in the days following the operation.
India reportedly launched standoff munitions including SCALP cruise missiles and BrahMos supersonic missiles during the operation, targeting strategic terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control without crossing into Pakistani airspace. The Rafales and MiG-29s, supported by airborne early warning systems and ground-based air defences like the S-400, maintained air superiority while minimising exposure.
Compared to legacy decoy systems like the US AN/ALQ-50 or ADM-160 MALD, the X-Guard offers greater flexibility and speed. It can be deployed in under two seconds and retrieved if unused, unlike expendable systems. Its real-time fiber-optic connection to the aircraft allows pilots to monitor threats, assess missile locks, and redeploy as needed — even while under electronic jamming conditions.
This strategic use of deception, rather than direct confrontation, is being seen by defence analysts as a major evolution in air combat tactics. With modern warfare increasingly reliant on electronic signatures, the ability to spoof radar and missile systems effectively is becoming as important as kinetic firepower.
A New Standard in Aerial Combat
Operation Sindoor, though limited in scope and duration, has highlighted the growing role of AI and electronic warfare in shaping future combat. Experts suggest that the IAF’s use of the X-Guard may serve as a model for future engagements, where survivability and strategic deception outweigh raw firepower.
While official statements from the Indian Ministry of Defence have remained limited, independent defence experts and open-source intelligence have continued to analyse the operation’s outcomes.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.