What is the purpose of decoys and chaff on naval platforms?

• A. To mislead incoming missiles by creating false radar or infrared signatures
• B. To attract missiles
• C. To camouflage hull color
• D. To improve speed

Answer: (A)

Decoys and chaff are sensor countermeasures designed to confuse guided missiles by creating false signatures. Chaff releases small metallic fibers into the air, which reflect radar from many directions and appear as numerous false targets on radar screens. That clutter makes it hard for a radar-guided missile to distinguish the real ship from the decoy, often causing the missile to lose track or miss entirely. Infrared decoys, like flares, produce a bright heat source that several infrared seekers will grab onto, drawing the missile away from the vessel.

The goal is to reduce the likelihood of a hit by deceiving the missile’s guidance system, not to attract missiles, not to camouflage the hull’s color, and not to change the ship’s speed.