South Korea succeeds in developing missile defense system for aircraft

This image, released by the Agency for Defense Development, Jan. 12, shows the concept of the directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system. Yonhap

South Korea has successfully tested a missile defense system that enables military aircraft to avoid or disable missiles fired from portable surface-to-air equipment, the state-run defense research agency said Wednesday.

The directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system emits a laser beam that “blinds” incoming missiles that rely on heat to track their target.

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said it carried out initial operational tests and evaluations on helicopters in cooperation with Hanwha Systems from 2020 to 2021.

"The system is significant in that it has drastically shortened the response time, enabling aircraft to defend against portable surface-to-air missiles at close range," ADD said in a statement.

The system can also be used by larger aircraft, when enhanced with a stronger laser output, it added. (Yonhap)