Who is the intended target of military deception operations?

Military deception operations are specifically designed to mislead and manipulate the perceptions of adversaries. The primary aim is to create confusion regarding the capabilities, intent, and readiness of one's own forces or operations. In this context, nations such as China and Russia would be considered as the intended targets of these operations, as they represent potential adversaries on the global stage.

By focusing on these adversaries, military deception can effectively influence their decision-making processes, compel them to misallocate their resources, or even deter their actions based on the false impressions that have been created. This highlights the strategic importance of targeting specific rivals, as successful deception can significantly enhance a country's operational effectiveness and overall security posture.

The other groups mentioned, such as civilians, allied forces, or technological assets, do not serve as the primary targets of military deception operations. Instead, deception aims to shape the battlefield perceptions among potential enemies to gain tactical and strategic advantages.