MIRV

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) is a strategic ballistic missile payload consisting of multiple nuclear warheads (reentry vehicles), each equipped with its own guidance system, enabling them to independently target distinct geographical locations, thus multiplying the strike capability of a single missile and posing significant challenges to missile defense.

BACKGROUND

A multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) is an exoatmospheric ballistic missile payload containing several warheads, each capable of being aimed to hit a different target. The concept is almost invariably associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles carrying thermonuclear warheads, even if not strictly being limited to them. An intermediate case is the multiple reentry vehicle (MRV) missile which carries several warheads which are dispersed but not individually aimed. All nuclear-weapon states except Pakistan and North Korea are currently confirmed to have deployed MIRV missile systems.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle
• multiple warhead missile
• multi-warhead ICBM
• MIRV warhead system

USAGE NOTE

MIRV technology is primarily deployed on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) as a core element of strategic nuclear deterrence.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to MIRV.

• Lockheed Martin

  A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company, involved in the development and production of strategic missile systems, including the MIRVed Trident II D5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile for the U.S. and UK navies.

• Northrop Grumman

  A leading global aerospace and defense technology company, serving as the prime contractor for the Sentinel (formerly GBSD) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program, which will replace the Minuteman III and is designed with MIRV capabilities.

• Roscosmos

  The state corporation of the Russian Federation responsible for a wide range of space flights, cosmonautics programs, and aerospace research, including the oversight of organizations developing and producing Russia's MIRVed intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

• Makeyev Design Bureau

  A leading Russian missile design bureau specializing in the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and some intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), many of which are MIRVed systems like the Sineva and Liner.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)

  A state-owned enterprise that is the main contractor for the Chinese space program and a significant developer of various strategic missile systems, including MIRVed intercontinental ballistic missiles for the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force.

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

  India's premier agency for military research and development, responsible for developing indigenous defense technologies, including strategic missile systems that incorporate Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, such as the Agni-V.

• BAE Systems

  A global defense, aerospace, and security company. BAE Systems plays a significant role in the production, maintenance, and support of the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent system, which is based on MIRVed submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

• MBDA

  A European developer and manufacturer of missiles. MBDA France is notably involved in the development and maintenance of the M51 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile for the French Navy, a MIRVed strategic system.