Maskirovka: A Russian Form of Ninjutsu

Russian military deception, generally known as Maskirovka, is a centuries-old military concept that began to take on added importance at the start of the twentieth century. Now formally developed and practiced, the concept of Maskirovka encompasses a broad range of tactics, from the use of camouflage to the practice of denial and deception-all having applications in the military, intelligence, and political arenas. Maskirovka’s arsenal of deceptive measures include concealment, manoeuvers intended to deceive, categorical denial, the use of decoys and dummies, and the spreading of propaganda and disinformation.