OVERVIEW: The ADM-160B MALD is an expendable, air-launched decoy designed to mimic the radar signature and flight behavior of U.S. and allied aircraft to confuse enemy integrated air defense systems. It is a powered, programmable, active-radiofrequency decoy with extended range and pre-loaded flight profiles.

DETAILS: ADM stands for Air-Launched Decoy Missile. The ADM-160B is the second-generation variant of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) developed by Raytheon for the U.S. Air Force. Compared to the earlier ADM-160A, which was canceled after limited production, the B-model introduced major improvements in range, electronic payload, and reliability. Its purpose is to degrade enemy air defenses by drawing fire or saturating radar tracking and targeting systems.

The ADM-160B differs from the A model by integrating an advanced active RF payload, improved propulsion, and a modular design allowing rapid mission planning customization.

FUNCTION: Once released from the launch aircraft, the ADM-160B follows a pre-programmed flight path while emitting radar signatures to simulate real aircraft, including their radar cross-section and flight dynamics. It is designed to deceive enemy radars, draw missile fire, and force adversaries to reveal or exhaust their air defense assets.

NOTE:
IOC: 2003 (ADM-160A), 2011 (ADM-160B)
Operators: United States
Platforms: F-16C Fighting Falcon, B-52H Stratofortress, F-15E Strike Eagle
Conflict used in: Not publicly confirmed as of 2025

SOURCE:
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; U.S. Department of Defense Budget Justification: https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY21/AFD-2002-02-14-123456.pdf ; Raytheon Technologies: https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2021/04/20/mald-turns-20 ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/programs/ssp/technology/mald.html