What is chaff vs flare?

Chaff and flare are both countermeasures used by combat aircraft to counter incoming missiles.

Chaff is a cloud of small, thin, metallic or plastic strips that are ejected from the aircraft to create a radar reflection like that of an aircraft. The goal of chaff is to confuse or deceive radar-guided missiles, which track aircraft by their radar signals. Typically, chaff is used to counter long-range, radar-guided missiles which have a homing range of several miles. When a missile attempts to lock on to an aircraft, a chaff dispenser releases a cloud of these small strips, which create a dense cloud of false targets, making it difficult for the missile to differentiate between the aircraft and chaff.

Flares, on the other hand, produce an intense heat source that can divert heat-seeking missiles. They are typically small, disposable canisters containing a chemically-treated mixture that when ignited, produces a bright, hot flare. Used primarily against heat-seeking missiles, flares can help to redirect those missiles away from the aircraft and towards the flare. When a missile lock is detected, a flare dispenser releases one or more flares, which simulate the heat signature of the aircraft's engine exhaust and make it difficult for the missile to differentiate between the aircraft and flare.

Chaff and flare are often used in combination to provide a layered defense. When used together, chaff and flares create a more comprehensive countermeasure that is more effective in defeating incoming missile threats.