The Eurofighter’s Chaff and Flare Defensive Aids System comprises dispensers which release infrared flares to defeat heat seeking missiles and chaff to disrupt radar guided missiles.

The Eurofighter's Chaff and Flare Defensive Aids System comprises dispensers which release infrared flares to defeat heat seeking missiles and chaff to disrupt radar guided missiles.

The Italian government has said in a preliminary report that the plane was hit by a heat-seeking missile.