Directional infrared countermeasures, or DIRCM, is a technology used to protect airplanes and helicopters from being shot down by heat-seeking weapons. These weapons, also called infrared seekers, track heat sources like engines or exhausts and follow them until they hit the aircraft.
DIRCM works by emitting a strong beam of infrared light that confuses the infrared seeker on the missile. The beam is pointed directly at the missile to disrupt its tracking ability and force it to miss the target.
This beam of light is created by a turret mounted on the aircraft, which searches for any incoming missiles and directs the beam towards them. The technology is highly advanced and can work at very fast speeds, providing critical protection in combative situations.
Essentially, DIRCM is like shining a really bright flashlight in the eyes of a heat-seeking missile to make it fly off course and miss the plane it was targeting. It helps keep planes safe from enemy threats and keeps pilots and passengers out of harm's way.