OVERVIEW: Chaff is an aircraft-deployed countermeasure consisting of a rapid release of radar-reflective chaff bundles designed to confuse and divert radar-guided missile seekers. It provides a temporary radar signature cloud that obscures the aircraft’s true position, enhancing survivability against radar-based threats.

DETAILS: Chaff is typically ejected in large quantities from dispenser pods or cartridges mounted on the aircraft. The released fibers create multiple false radar echoes, saturating enemy radar screens and breaking missile lock or guidance. Chaff salvoes are used in coordinated defensive maneuvers, often alongside flare deployments and electronic countermeasures, to protect against surface-to-air and air-to-air missile attacks. The timing, quantity, and pattern of release are optimized for effectiveness depending on threat type and engagement scenario.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Airborne Countermeasure
Primary Use: Radar-guided missile defense through radar signature deception
Function: Rapid deployment of radar-reflective chaff bundles
Strong Against: Radar-guided missiles, radar tracking and targeting systems
Weak Against: Infrared-guided missiles, advanced missile seekers with multi-sensor fusion
Platform: Fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft equipped with chaff dispensers
Integration: Compatible with onboard countermeasure suites and mission systems

SOURCE:
Janes Electronic Warfare Systems
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaff_(countermeasure)