Infrared (IR) sensors are effective detectors or mobile heat sources, but they're also useful as components in a missile warning system (MWS). As Elbit Systems Ltd. demonstrated at the recent Paris Air Show 2025 (June 16-22), its PAWS-2 High Resolution (HR) MWS enhances the operational effectiveness of modern fighter aircraft with the aid of IR sensors.
The platform is able to detect surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), air-to-air missiles, and a host of other incoming high-speed threats. It provides protection for many types of battlefield aircraft, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters operating in complex and high-threat environments.
The system’s cooled midwave IR (MWIR) sensor delivers more than 5-Mpixel resolution for reliable long-range detection and precise determination of missile launch-point location even in complex, multiple-threat environments. Advanced image processing enables low false alarm rates (FARs) even in complex environments.
The system’s long detection range and high resolution make it possible to detect incoming threats earlier and with enough time to develop suitable response actions. The low FARs enhance threat detection accuracy and reduce operational disruptions. Quicker countermeasure timing is also supported by the high angular accuracy made possible by the system’s IR sensors and computational processing power.
The PAWS-2 (HR) system (see image above) operates at the high sampling rate needed to detect the small arms bursts often faced by helicopters.
