What type of missile does the CMWS dispense to counter threats?

The correct answer is chaff. The Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) is designed to protect aircraft by detecting incoming missile threats and dispensing countermeasures to evade them. Chaff consists of small, lightweight pieces of metal or other reflective materials that are deployed into the air. When released, chaff creates a cloud of radar reflectors that can confuse enemy missile guidance systems, effectively misdirecting them away from the aircraft.

Chaff is specifically utilized due to its ability to disrupt radar signals, rendering it a key defensive measure against radar-guided missiles. The utilization of chaff as a countermeasure is a standard practice in enhancing the survivability of aircraft in combat environments. This operational principle highlights the importance of utilizing sophisticated systems like CMWS to ensure the safety of airborne assets in hostile scenarios.