M-206 infrared decoy flare

Also known as

M206
M-206 flare
M206 flare
M206 infrared decoy flare

The M-206 infrared decoy flare is an Armtec aircraft countermeasure round for U.S. and allied dispensers, designed to spoof heat-seeking missiles from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

M-206 infrared decoy flare, Infrared decoy flare, Munitions

Image source: Infrared Flares | Armtec Defense Technologies

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Armtec Defense Technologies
Type: Infrared decoy flare
Unit cost: $30 (FY2012 Air Force budget line item)

infrared air-launched

Specifications

Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)
Length: 8 in (203.2 mm)
Weight: 187 g
Net explosive content: 121 g
Shelf life: 9 years
Service life: 1 year
NSN: 1370-01-048-2138

Carrier Aircraft

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

HC-130J Combat King II, Fixed-wing personnel recovery and helicopter air-to-air refueling aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

HC-130J Combat King II

Fixed-wing personnel recovery aircraft

Kirtland AFB's environmental assessment names M-206 flares as current countermeasure stores used by HC-130J aircraft.

Sources: Kirtland AFB Final EA, Part 2

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Armtec describes the M-206 as an infrared (IR) decoy flare dispensed from aircraft to protect against heat-seeking missiles, with standard U.S. and NATO dispenser compatibility.

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Sources

Infrared Flares | Armtec Defense TechnologiesPublisher: Armtec Defense Technologies | Note: Supports manufacturer background, the M-206 product family, and the official product image used for this page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 M206 Infrared Decoy Flare | Armtec Defense TechnologiesPublisher: Armtec Defense Technologies | Note: Supports the M-206 designation, infrared decoy flare role, dimensions, weight, net explosive content, shelf life, service life, NSN, and product background. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 FY2012 Air Force Flares BudgetPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the reported M-206 flare unit cost in the FY2012 Air Force budget line item. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Kirtland AFB Final EA, Part 2Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the M-206 flares carried by HC-130J aircraft as current countermeasure stores in the Kirtland AFB environmental assessment. | Accessed: 2026-06-27