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A countermeasure is a measure or action taken to counter or offset another one. As a general concept it implies precision, and is any technological or tactical solution or system (often for a military application) designed to prevent an undesirable outcome in the process. The first known use of the term is in 1923.[1]
Countermeasures can refer to the following disciplinary spectrum:
- Defense
- Medicine
- Materials engineering
- Electro-magnetic engineering
- Policing
- Information technology
- Law
- Diplomatic security
- Pollution prevention
Defense countermeasures are often subdivided into "active" and "passive" countermeasures.
Active
In military applications, "active" countermeasures which alter the electromagnetic, acoustic or other signature(s) of a target thereby altering the tracking and sensing behavior of an incoming threat (e.g., guided missile) are designated soft-kill measures. Measures that physically counterattack an incoming threat thereby destroying/altering its payload/warhead in such a way that the intended effect on the target is majorly impeded, such as close-in weapon systems, are designated hard-kill measures. Both types are further described in active protection systems.
Passive
"Passive" countermeasures include:
See also
- Tactic (method)
- Anti-aircraft
- Anti-ballistic missile
- Electronic countermeasures
- Flare (countermeasure)
- Infrared countermeasures
- Mine countermeasures
- National Missile Defense
- Self-defense
- Strategic Defense Initiative
References
- ^ Merriam-Webster Dictionary "Countermeasure" defined