What type of missile do chaff defenses primarily target?

Chaff defenses are designed to counter radar-guided missiles. These missiles rely on radar signals to track and lock onto their targets. Chaff consists of small, lightweight strips of metal or other materials that can create a cloud of false radar reflections when deployed. When chaff is released, it effectively confuses the missile's radar system by introducing multiple false targets, making it difficult for the missile to distinguish the actual aircraft from the decoys. This strategy exploits the limitations of radar-guided missiles and helps protect the aircraft from being successfully engaged by them.

In contrast, heat-seeking missiles are primarily targeted by flares, which attract the guidance systems of such missiles by emitting infrared radiation. Ballistic missiles operate on a different principle altogether, following a trajectory that does not rely on guidance systems that can be confused by chaff. Surface-to-air missiles can be radar-guided or infrared-guided, but when focusing on radar-guided types in the context of chaff effectiveness, the primary target remains those guided by radar detection.