OVERVIEW: MAWS (Missile Approach Warning Systems) are defensive electronic systems designed to detect and alert aircrews to incoming missile threats, providing critical early warning to enable countermeasures deployment.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: MAWS operate by passively detecting the ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) signatures of incoming missiles during their launch and flight phases. These systems provide rapid threat identification and directional cues to the aircraft’s countermeasure dispensers, such as flares or DIRCM (Directional Infrared Countermeasures). MAWS are typically integrated into military aircraft, helicopters, and some UAVs to enhance survivability against man-portable and vehicle-launched surface-to-air missiles, as well as air-to-air missiles.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Defensive Electronic Warfare / Missile Warning
Primary Use: Early detection and warning of incoming missile threats
Function: Passive IR/UV missile plume detection and threat direction cueing
Platform: Installed on military fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs

See Specific information under [Sensors/EW] and [Properties] sections.

SOURCE:
Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
Defense Industry Publications