OVERVIEW: The Mk 186 “TORCH” is an expendable infrared seduction flare, part of the U.S. Navy’s Mark 36 SRBOC countermeasure system introduced in 1979. It is deployed to mislead incoming infrared-guided missiles by creating a stronger IR signature than the host vessel.

DETAILS: The Mk 186 is one of several decoy cartridges compatible with the 112 mm Mark 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff (SRBOC) launcher family. It ejects an infrared flare payload designed to burn at temperatures sufficient to seduce IR-guided seekers away from the ship.

FONCTION:
Fired from 112 mm SRBOC mortar tubes aboard naval vessels.
Upon launch, ignites to emit high-intensity infrared radiation.
Attracts IR-guided missiles away from the ship by presenting a more appealing thermal target.

SOURCE:
Wikipedia (Mark 36 SRBOC system)