Missile

A missile is a self-propelled, guided or unguided weapon designed to deliver a warhead to a target. It is launched from a platform such as an aircraft, ship, vehicle, or submarine and follows a programmed flight path, which may include a guided phase and a terminal maneuver. Missiles differ from bombs mainly in their self-propulsion and guidance capability.

A typical missile comprises an airframe, propulsion system, guidance and control equipment, sensing and navigation systems, and a warhead. Propulsion is usually provided by a rocket motor or a jet engine, with stages that may be jettisoned. Guidance systems determine trajectory and can incorporate inertial navigation, satellite navigation, and terminal seekers such as radar, infrared, or laser sensors. Fuzing controls the timing or impact of the warhead.

Propulsion types include solid- and liquid-fueled rocket motors and, for cruise missiles, jet engines. Guidance methods include inertial navigation with GPS updates, terminal seekers, radar homing, infrared homing, and laser guidance, often combined in homing heads or through midcourse updates.

Missiles are categorized by range and mission. Ballistic missiles follow a high-arching trajectory and are typically used for long-range strikes, while cruise missiles fly at sustained altitude with powered flight. Other categories include air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface or surface-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-tank missiles.

The modern missile era began in the mid-20th century with advances in rocketry and guidance. Early examples include the German V-1 and V-2 programs and postwar developments led to extensive proliferation and use in armed forces worldwide. International treaties and export controls have sought to limit development and spread, while technological advances continue to evolve missile systems.