Which statement best describes IR Guided SAMs?

• A. They are fire and forget systems.
• B. They require continuous radar guidance.
• C. They are launched from ships only.
• D. They must be guided by TGP.

Answer: (A)

IR guided surface-to-air missiles carry their own infrared seeker that homes in on the target’s heat signature after launch, providing autonomous, on-board guidance. Once fired, the missile steers itself toward the target without needing continuous guidance from the launch platform or an external radar. This fire-and-forget capability is the defining trait of IR guided SAMs. They don’t require continuous radar illumination, aren’t limited to ships as launch platforms, and don’t depend on a targeting pod like TGP, since the missile’s own seeker handles guidance all the way to impact.