Täsmäaseita

Täsmäaseita, known in English as precision-guided munitions (PGMs) or smart bombs, are guided weapons that use a targeting system to strike a specific, predetermined objective. Unlike unguided "dumb" bombs, which are released in a ballistic trajectory with limited accuracy, täsmäaseita are designed to achieve a much higher probability of hitting their intended target. This enhanced accuracy significantly reduces collateral damage and increases the effectiveness of strikes, particularly against hardened or mobile targets.

The guidance systems employed by täsmäaseita vary widely. Common methods include laser guidance, where a laser designator on the ground or in another aircraft illuminates the target, and the munition's seeker tracks the reflected laser spot. Another prevalent system is GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guidance, which uses satellite signals and internal gyroscopes to navigate to the target coordinates. Some advanced munitions combine multiple guidance technologies to improve accuracy and overcome countermeasures.

Täsmäaseita can be deployed from various platforms, including aircraft, ground-based artillery, and even ships. Their development and proliferation have transformed modern warfare, enabling forces to conduct operations with greater precision and reduced risk to non-combatants. The term itself, "täsmäaseita," translates directly to "precision weapons" in Finnish, reflecting their core characteristic of highly accurate targeting.