The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is planning to install systems on helicopters to protect against missile attacks.

The IAF decision comes following the recent shoulder-launched missile attack on a US Army Chinook helicopter, which killed 38 people, including 30 elite US troops.

The IAF also believes that insurgent groups in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon have obtained a significant number of shoulder-to-air missiles, including the Russian SA-7 and SA-8.

The installation of an active protection system aboard its helicopters would intercept enemy missiles like similar systems recently proven in combat on Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) tanks, according to the Jerusalem Post.