Infrared Countermeasures

Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM), alternatively known as SIRCOMS (short for Sustainable Infrared Countermeasure Shells) are a new special weapon introduced in Ace Combat: Joint Assault. It is a defensive SP weapon used to compromise enemy missile lock-on, similar to the more conventional Electromagnetic Counter Measure Pod (ECMP.)

Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Similar to the ECMP, the IRCM is defensive in nature, and is used to destabilize missile locks. When used, the weapon pods release a group of large, purple spheres of plasma (resembling Ace Combat X's HPM, but in a smaller scale) that will affect enemy missile tracking.

Singleplayer
The IRCM is seen in mission #12B, "Nightwatch". In Phase 2, once the Spiridus begins attacking, it will begin deploying SIRCOMS shells on its flight path to nullify the player's (or players') targeting capabilities. Once the airship's Fire Control Units (FCU) have been taken out, the IRCM launch pods will become targetable.

The weapon is available for the S-32, YR-302 Fregata, XR-45 Cariburn and the Fenrir. The IRCM's heat will lightly damage any aircraft passing too close to the spheres.