IDEF 2023: TDU Defense Systems presents Kirpi armoured vehicle decoy

TDU Defense Systems presented a Kirpi armoured vehicle decoy and personnel thermal protectors that look like rocks at IDEF 2023. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)

TDU Defense Systems presented an inflatable Kirpi armoured vehicle decoy at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held from 25 to 28 July in Istanbul. TDU decoys like this are being used by the Turkish Armed Forces, a company representative told Janes.

Asked what air threats Turkey employs decoys against, a company representative replied that there had been instances in which Turkish decoys had been hit by ground fire. TDU also makes tank decoys.

To deceive air threats, the company makes inflatable air-defence systems and aircraft, including the F-16 and hangar decoys.

The company's inflatable decoys have a low thermal and radar signature and can be moved with an unmanned ground platform. The lightweight decoys are designed for easy installation and folding and do not have to be reinflated for at least four days, according to the TDU website.

The company also makes mobile camouflage systems for real armoured vehicles and multispectral nets that can be erected over vehicles or tents in the field.

In addition to decoys and camouflage, TDU offers inflatable tents, including ones with ballistic protection.

Underneath the front of the inflatable Kirpi at IDEF 2023 were personnel thermal protectors that look like rocks that can be used by individual soldiers in the field for visual, infrared, and thermal protection.

When asked by Janes if TDU decoys are used in Ukraine, the company representative answered in the negative. However, during IDEF 2023, she noted Ukrainian interest in the personnel thermal protectors.