Flare Counter-measures for Armored Vehicles Developed by Russian TsNIITOCHMASH

A new flare counter-measures system to protect armored vehicles from precision weapons has been developed by the Russian Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH), a part of Rostec Corporation.

When a threat is detected, a protective projectile is fired in the direction of the incoming missile or guided weapon creating an “aerosol-dipole interference curtain,” thereby "blinding" the guidance systems of the enemy's precision weapon, a Rostec statement said today.

The counter-measures system works  similar to flares deployed by helicopters and aircraft against heat –seeking missiles.

The development will increase the survivability of armored vehicles on the battlefield. Currently, most modern armored vehicles and tanks are equipped with reactive armor, but they are still are susceptible to direct hits.

The new defensive ammunition is designed in 76 mm caliber and weighs 2.8 kg. The aerosol-dipole interference curtain offers protection against projectiles with laser, optical, thermal and radar guidance systems.

The ammunition can be used as part of the defensive systems of existing and future armored vehicles. The product will be demonstrated to the military for the first time at the Army-2021 forum. Further, state tests will be completed this year.

The use of the new ammunition in combination with electronic warfare system means will increase the survivability of armored vehicles on the battlefield, a Rostec statement said.