What is the function of flares in aerial combat?

Flares serve the primary function of disrupting infrared (IR) homing missiles, which are designed to target the heat signature emitted by aircraft engines. When flares are deployed, they generate significant heat, which can attract the missile away from the aircraft. This tactic is particularly crucial in aerial combat, as it helps protect the aircraft from being targeted and shot down by enemy fire. By overwhelming the missile's infrared sensors with the intense heat from the flares, it diverts the threat away from the actual heat source of the aircraft, thereby increasing the chances of survival for the crew and the aircraft itself.

The noise distraction option refers instead to countermeasures that might involve audio signals, but flares do not produce significant sound. Confusing enemy radar systems is more aligned with electronic countermeasures, which operate differently than flares. Enhancing aircraft visibility might be a secondary benefit in certain contexts, but it is not the primary function of flares in the scenario described. Overall, the use of flares is a strategic defensive measure specifically intended to thwart attacks from IR-guided missiles.