An IR-guided missile is a modern weapon system that tracks and locks onto its target by detecting infrared (heat) signatures. These missiles are designed to engage targets that emit strong heat, such as aircraft engines, helicopter exhausts, and armored vehicles. Because they do not emit radar signals, IR-guided missiles operate with passive guidance, making them harder to detect and counter. In contemporary air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios, they stand out with their fast reaction capability and high hit probability.

From a technical perspective, IR-guided missiles use an infrared seeker head located in the nose section to analyze the target’s heat distribution and guide the missile throughout its flight. Advanced variants employ Imaging Infrared (IIR) technology, allowing the system to recognize not only heat but also the shape and movement pattern of the target. This significantly increases resistance against countermeasures such as flares. Frequently preferred in short- and medium-range engagements, IR-guided missiles play a critical role in achieving air superiority and precision strike capability within modern military doctrines.