'Sky Shield' Directed Infrared Countermeasure

Description

Developed by the Israelis, Sky Shield is a DIRCM system designed to protect aircraft from modern heatseeking missiles. It detects incoming missiles and disrupts the seeker head using a laser. It was initially designed to protect passenger jets and transport aircraft from man-portable missile systems.

Assessment

Although expensive, directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) are one of the most effective defenses against heatseeking missiles. Since flares are largely ineffective against modern heatseekers, aircraft in high-threat environments will increasingly employ this technology.