// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Seeker
A seeker is the part of a missile or smart bomb that detects and tracks its target, guiding the weapon to hit it precisely. It uses various sensors to "see" or "hear" the target.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A seeker is a critical onboard sensor system within a missile or precision-guided munition responsible for target acquisition, tracking, and providing guidance commands to the weapon's control system for accurate terminal phase interception. These electro-optical, infrared, radar, or laser sensors enable autonomous or semi-autonomous target engagement.
BACKGROUND
The military budget of the United States is the largest portion of the discretionary federal budget allocated to the Department of Defense (DoD), or more broadly, the portion of the budget that goes to any military-related expenditures. It pays the salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new items. The budget funds the six branches of the US military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Critics contend that recent U.S. defense budgets have disproportionately invested in long-term developmental programs instead of producing weapons systems needed in the near term.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- guidance head
- sensor head
- homing head
- target acquisition system
- terminal guidance unit
USAGE NOTE
Seekers are essential components for modern precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate strikes against specific targets while minimizing collateral damage.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Seeker.
Lockheed Martin
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company, heavily involved in the development and production of missile systems, including their advanced guidance and seeker technologies for various platforms such as Javelin, Hellfire, and PAC-3.
RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)
A leading aerospace and defense company known for its advanced missile systems, radar, and sensor technologies. They develop a wide range of seekers for missiles like AMRAAM, Patriot, and AIM-9 Sidewinder, utilizing radar, infrared, and other guidance methods.
Northrop Grumman
A major defense contractor that develops and manufactures advanced defense systems, including missile components, precision munitions, and sophisticated sensor and guidance systems that incorporate seeker technology for target acquisition and tracking.
MBDA
A European multinational developer and manufacturer of missiles and missile systems. They are at the forefront of seeker technology for air-to-air, surface-to-air, and anti-ship missiles, including advanced radar and infrared seekers.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
An Israeli defense technology company renowned for its innovative missile systems and advanced electro-optical and radar seekers, used in systems like the Spike anti-tank missile and Iron Dome air defense system.
BAE Systems
A British multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. They develop advanced electronic warfare systems, sensors, and missile components, often contributing to the seeker technology for various defense applications.
Saab AB
A Swedish aerospace and defense company that offers a range of defense products, including missile systems and advanced sensor solutions, which often incorporate sophisticated seeker technologies for target detection and tracking.
L3Harris Technologies
A global aerospace and defense technology innovator, specializing in integrated mission systems, sensors, and communications. They are a significant developer of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) seekers and related sensor technologies for precision munitions and surveillance.