What mechanism allows the Stinger missile to evade enemy countermeasures?

The Stinger missile employs an infrared seeker as its primary guidance mechanism, which enables it to home in on the heat emitted by targets, particularly aircraft. This capability is significant because the infrared seeker allows the missile to track targets based on their thermal signatures rather than relying on external signals or coordinates.

The infrared technology provides a tactical advantage in evading enemy countermeasures, which often include heat flares and other devices designed to mislead missiles. Since the Stinger focuses on detecting heat rather than responding to radar or other electronic signals, it is less susceptible to common countermeasures that target those systems. This effectiveness makes the Stinger a reliable choice for engaging aircraft and significantly enhances its operational versatility in various combat scenarios.