Lasers could create an image of jet exhaust that might be able to draw away heat-seeking missiles Stocktrek Images, Inc/Alamy

At over 600°C, a jet engine’s exhaust stands out like a beacon when seen in infrared, making it an obvious target for heat-seeking missiles – but a US Navy device might be able to thwart such missiles with ghost images projected in mid-air.

The traditional method of defence has been to eject hot flares to draw missiles away from the aircraft. This new approach would use lasers rather than pyrotechnics.

When focused to a point, a laser can produce …