// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Precision Guided Munition

A Precision Guided Munition (PGM) is a weapon that can be steered or guided during its flight to hit a specific target with high accuracy, unlike unguided weapons that follow a ballistic trajectory. This capability significantly reduces the chance of missing the target and causing unintended damage.

Precision Guided Munition — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Precision Guided Munition (PGM) is a military projectile or weapon system that incorporates advanced guidance technologies, such as GPS, laser designation, or inertial navigation systems, to achieve high terminal accuracy against specific targets, optimizing mission effectiveness and minimizing collateral damage in modern warfare scenarios.

BACKGROUND

A precision-guided munition (PGM), also called a smart weapon, smart munition, or smart bomb, is a type of weapon system that integrates advanced guidance and control systems, such as GPS, laser guidance, or infrared sensors, with various types of munitions, typically missiles or artillery shells, to allow for high-accuracy strikes against designated targets. PGMs are designed to precisely hit a predetermined target, typically with a margin of error that is far smaller than conventional unguided munitions. Unlike unguided munitions, PGMs use active or passive control mechanisms capable of steering the weapon towards its intended target. PGMs are capable of mid-flight course corrections, allowing them to adjust and hit the intended target even if conditions change. PGMs can be deployed from various platforms, including aircraft, naval ships, ground vehicles, ground-based launchers, and UAVs.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Guided munition
  • Smart weapon
  • Guided bomb
  • Guided missile
  • Smart bomb
  • PGM

USAGE NOTE

PGMs are a cornerstone of modern military strategy, enabling surgical strikes and reducing the risk to friendly forces and civilians.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Precision Guided Munition.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company that develops and manufactures a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including JASSM, Hellfire missiles, and various PGM components.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    A leading developer and manufacturer of precision-guided munitions, including the Tomahawk cruise missile, Paveway laser-guided bombs, and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, offering advanced guidance and control systems.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Provides advanced precision-guided munition solutions, including components for various missile systems, advanced fuzing, and guidance technologies for enhanced accuracy and effectiveness.

  • Boeing Defense, Space & Security

    Manufactures a variety of precision-guided weapons such as the JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and various air-to-ground missiles, integrating sophisticated guidance kits for accurate targeting.

  • BAE Systems

    Develops and produces advanced precision munitions and integrated weapon systems, including guided artillery shells, sophisticated missile components, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

  • MBDA

    A European leader in missile systems, specializing in a wide array of precision-guided munitions for air, land, and sea applications, known for advanced guidance algorithms and multi-platform integration.

  • Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

    An Israeli company known for its advanced precision-guided missile systems like Spike and Iron Dome components, offering high accuracy, versatility, and multi-mission capabilities.

  • Saab AB

    Develops advanced weapon systems, including guided missiles and anti-tank weapons that incorporate precision guidance technologies for high hit probability and effectiveness.

  • Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

    Known for developing sophisticated precision-guided missiles such as the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), featuring advanced navigation and targeting systems for maritime and land targets.

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