Deterrence by Deception: Historic Lessons and Contemporary Methods

Abstract

This paper examines how the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has incorporated deception into its ground operations historically, and what lessons can be identified from this experience. Lessons include acknowledging the importance of engaging both experts and the wider public in deception efforts; and recognising that deception is both a passive and active means of deterrence. The paper then explores how the RAAF can apply deception in new and innovative ways. This work focusses on the airpower ground environment for two reasons: (1) deception is less widely employed compared to other means of deception applied for airborne capabilities; and (2) deception can be more effective, cheaper and easier to implement compared to other means of denial applied in the ground environment. These reasons make the inclusion of deception measures attractive in the current Defence environment.