OVERVIEW: The DM19A1 Flare, also known as the Mk245 GIANT, is an infrared (IR) countermeasure used by naval forces to protect ships from heat-seeking missiles. It is launched from SRBOC Mk 36 Mod 1 or 2 systems and creates a large infrared signature to confuse incoming threats.

DETAILS: The GIANT IR DM19A1 Mk 245 GIANT round carries five individual IR flare submunitions, each weighing approximately 3 kg, totaling ~21 kg per round, that disperse in a timed sequence along a ballistic trajectory to create a broad IR signature cloud. It is compatible with Terma SKWS and SeaGnat launchers and has been successfully tested and deployed aboard allied naval vessels, where it is programmed via on-board fire control to follow configurable timing intervals.

FUNCTION:
It is fired from standard 130 mm deck-mounted decoy launch systems (e.g., Mk 36 SRBOC).
Once in flight, it ejects five timed IR flare submunitions that burn in sequence to form an expanding thermal signature.
This creates a large, multi-point infrared cloud that seduces and breaks missile seeker lock by mimicking the ship’s heat profile.

Platforms: Confirmed use aboard NATO warships equipped with 130 mm SRBOC/SeaGnat or Terma SKWS launchers.

SOURCE:
Italian Ministry of Defense procurement notice: https://www.difesa.it/assets/allegati/44173/avviso_con_allegato.pdf ; Defense Media Network: https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/naval-self-protection-solutions-rely-on-interoperable-launchers-and-ammunitio/ ; Rheinmetall GIANT IR decoy brochure: https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Protection-Systems/D010e0222-Giant-naval-130mm-IR-decoy.pdf