MK 59 Decoy Launching System

The MK 59 Decoy Launching System, often referred to as the DLS, represents a critical advancement in naval defense technology, designed to protect warships from the ever-present threat of anti-ship missiles. Unlike active countermeasure systems that emit signals to confuse incoming threats, the MK 59 operates passively, relying on its ability to reflect radar signals in a way that convincingly mimics the radar cross section of a large vessel. This passive nature makes it particularly valuable, as it does not reveal the ship’s position by transmitting signals, but instead creates a false target that draws hostile weapons away from the actual vessel.

U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jackie Hart

At the heart of the system is the launcher, a deck-mounted mechanism that houses the decoys and ensures their rapid deployment when a threat is detected. The launcher is designed for reliability and speed, as the window of opportunity to counter an incoming missile is often measured in seconds. Once the operator initiates the launch from the control panel, the system responds instantly, firing the decoy into the sea where it begins its transformation into a convincing imitation of a warship.

The decoy itself is an expendable, inflatable structure that floats freely on the water’s surface once deployed. Its design is deceptively simple yet highly effective, as it uses multiple internal reflectors to create a radar signature that appears to enemy sensors as a legitimate naval target. By inflating to a large size, the decoy amplifies its radar cross section, making it seem even more attractive to incoming missiles than the ship it is protecting.

The operator control panel, located within the ship’s operations room, serves as the command hub for the system. From this panel, operators can quickly initiate the launch sequence, ensuring that the decoy is deployed at the precise moment it is needed. The integration of the control panel into the ship’s broader defensive network allows for seamless coordination with other countermeasure systems, ensuring a layered defense against complex threats.

The operation of the MK 59 follows a carefully designed sequence that maximizes its effectiveness. Once a threat is detected, the operator sends a command to the launcher, which propels the decoy into the sea. Upon contact with the water, the decoy automatically inflates, expanding into its full form and floating freely behind the ship, where it becomes the primary target for the incoming missile.

One of the most important features of the MK 59 is its passive nature, which allows it to function without emitting any signals that could betray the ship’s position. Instead, it relies entirely on reflecting radar signals, creating a convincing illusion that misleads enemy targeting systems. This makes it particularly effective against radar-guided missiles, which are among the most common threats faced by modern naval vessels.

The inflatable design of the decoy is another key advantage, as it allows the system to remain compact and easy to store until needed. Once deployed, the inflation process rapidly transforms the decoy into a large, radar-reflective structure that convincingly simulates the presence of a warship. This ability to expand from a small, stowed form into a large and threatening radar target is central to the system’s success.

The use of multi-reflector structures within the decoy ensures that the radar cross section it presents is complex and realistic. Rather than producing a simple or uniform reflection, the decoy generates a radar signature that closely resembles that of an actual ship, making it far more difficult for enemy systems to distinguish between the decoy and the real vessel. This sophistication is what allows the MK 59 to consistently lure missiles away from their intended targets.

Another strength of the MK 59 is its stand-alone design, which allows it to operate independently without requiring extensive integration into the ship’s other systems. This self-contained nature makes it easier to install and maintain, while still providing a highly effective layer of defense. Its simplicity of operation also ensures that it can be deployed quickly and reliably under the stress of combat conditions.

The rapid response capability of the MK 59 is perhaps its most vital feature, as the speed of modern anti-ship missiles leaves little room for error. From the moment a missile is detected, the system can launch, inflate, and deploy a decoy in a matter of seconds, ensuring that the ship has the best possible chance of survival. This speed, combined with the realism of the decoy’s radar signature, makes the system a formidable tool in naval defense.

The deployment of the MK 59 is not limited to a single navy, as it has been adopted by multiple allied forces. The United States Navy employs the system on its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, where it forms part of a comprehensive defensive suite designed to counter a wide range of threats. Similarly, the United Kingdom and Canadian navies use the system under the designation DLF3b, highlighting its value and effectiveness across different fleets.