How do decoys make military radar detect false targets?

In the context of military electronic warfare, decoys are designed to deceive radar systems by mimicking the characteristics of real targets, thereby confusing the receiver.1

Decoys function through several methods to create false targets:

• Imitation: Some decoys are small, inexpensive air vehicles or objects engineered to appear on radar as if they were genuine targets, such as aircraft or missiles.1
• Dummy Warheads: To counter antiballistic missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles may carry multiple dummy warheads. These separate from the main vehicle to jam the enemy's radar and create confusion by presenting multiple potential targets.2
• Chaff: While distinct from vehicle decoys, chaff consists of large quantities of tiny metallic strips. When released, these strips create artificial clouds that generate strong radar echoes, masking real targets or creating false ones to overwhelm the radar's ability to distinguish genuine threats.12

These measures are essential components of electronic countermeasures, intended to degrade the effectiveness of hostile radar systems and protect military assets.1