// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

MaRV

A MaRV, or Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle, is a type of warhead for ballistic missiles that can steer itself during its final descent toward a target. This makes it more accurate and much harder for enemy missile defense systems to intercept.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) is a ballistic missile warhead or payload engineered to execute evasive maneuvers during its terminal atmospheric reentry phase. This capability significantly enhances target accuracy and complicates interception by missile defense systems due to the unpredictable flight trajectory.

BACKGROUND

The Hwasong-12A is presumed to be the official designation of a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled, hypersonic ballistic missile. Unofficially known in South Korea as Hypersonic Missile Type 2, Hwasong-12A was revealed in October 2021, during a military exhibition. First test-fire of the missile occurred on 5 January 2022.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Maneuvering RV
  • Maneuverable warhead
  • Evasive warhead
  • Terminal maneuvering warhead

USAGE NOTE

MaRVs are employed to counter advanced ballistic missile defense systems and improve the likelihood of striking high-value or hardened strategic targets.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to MaRV.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace, defense, and security company, Lockheed Martin is a primary developer of strategic ballistic missile systems, including those incorporating or capable of evolving MaRV technology.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A leading global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman is involved in the development and modernization of strategic missile systems, including advanced re-entry vehicles and related technologies crucial for MaRVs.

  • Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

    A major aerospace and defense manufacturer, RTX develops advanced missile systems and related components, including technologies that enable precision guidance and maneuverability for re-entry vehicles.

  • China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)

    A state-owned Chinese defense contractor, CASIC is a key developer of advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile systems that incorporate maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) technology.

  • Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV)

    A major Russian defense company, KTRV oversees the development and production of a wide range of missile systems, including those featuring advanced maneuverable re-entry vehicles (MaRV) and hypersonic glide capabilities.

  • Los Alamos National Laboratory

    A premier US national security laboratory, Los Alamos conducts extensive research and development in advanced physics and engineering, including technologies directly related to the design and performance of maneuverable re-entry vehicles (MaRV).

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