This undated image provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) shows an infrared smoke canister scheduled for full deployment in 2025. Yonhap

The military will deploy homegrown infrared smoke screen canisters in full scale next year, the state arms procurement agency said Monday, amid efforts to introduce improved equipment to protect troops.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a 7.5 billion-won ($5.5 million) deal with Samyang Chemical to produce the canisters that are designed to emit smoke to block or disrupt infrared sensors from this year to 2026.

The country's existing smoke screen canisters that have been in use since the 1980s are unable to shield troops from infrared light, making them vulnerable to surveillance equipment or guided weapons that use the technology.

DAPA said the new canisters for ground and maritime operations completed development in 2020 and will undergo full-fledged deployment next year.

DAPA said the canisters are expected to minimize possible damage to troop health, noting that testing confirmed the smoke emitted to be non-carcinogenic and low in toxicity to the human body and the environment. (Yonhap)