Precision-Guided Munitions
Precision-Guided munitions, are guided weapons designed to hit a target precisely while causing the least amount of collateral damage possible. PGM systems consist of fins, a payload, and a guidance system (usually located in front of the precision munition).
The guidance system will communicate with the fins to direct the PGM toward the desired location.
Different Types of Guided Techniques in PGM
- Beam rider guidance
- Command guidance
- Homing guidance
- Navigation guidance
Advancements in Precision-Guided Munitions:
Precision guiding technology has progressed beyond missiles to artillery and ship-launched shells, increasing its application in a wider range of military scenarios. Even while modern armed forces now include precision-guided weapons as standard equipment, the cost of these weapons is still higher than that of ordinary unguided bombs. As a result, most of the weapons in use today remain unguided.
Munitions or missiles using precision-guided technology are made to modify their course while in flight to hit a target precisely. These weapons have the option of using GPS, laser, or a mix of both types of navigation.
Laser-guided munitions require assistance in the form of ground personnel, aerial drones, or the launching aircraft to guide the laser.
Recent innovations have amplified their capabilities, revolutionizing military operations. Smaller, more agile weapons can coordinate strikes with extraordinary accuracy thanks to miniaturization and swarming technologies, which puts adversary defenses to the test.
These weapons’ increasing autonomy enables real-time modifications while in flight, which lessens operator workload and boosts adaptability. Artificial intelligence-powered advanced target recognition technology reduces civilian casualties and facilitates accurate target engagement. Incorporating into network-centric warfare improves efficiency and coordination, and advances in GPS and inertial navigation systems guarantee precise location.
Precision-Guided Munitions Categories:
There are three types of current PGM programs:
- Naval-Launched,
- Air-Launched
- Ground-launched
Naval Launched:
Tomahawk Cruise Missile, Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), and Naval Strike Missile
Air-Launched:
Paveway Laser Guided Bomb, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Small Diameter Bomb, Small Diameter Bomb II, Hellfire Missile, Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Strike Missile (JASSM), Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile.
Ground Launched:
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), and Precision Strike Missile (PSM)
Advantages of Precision-Guided Munitions:
- Reduced collateral damage
- Improved effectiveness against high-value targets
- Ability to strike targets with greater accuracy
- These munitions are extensively used in modern military operations to minimize civilian casualties
Precision Guided Munitions includes the following types of Weapons
- laser‐guided munitions
- Infrared (IR)‐guided weapons
- Radar‐guided weapons
- GPS/ INS‐guided weapons
- Wire Guided Weapons
- Beam Riding Weapons
- Anti-radiation Weapons
Anti-radiation weapons
Ground-based radars are the intended target of anti-radiation weapons (ARMs). These accomplish this by first locating the source of radio emission after detecting radio emission from the radars. These weapons can also be employed to take out communication radios and jammers.
There are four types of ARMs in use: air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, air-to-air, and surface-to-air.
AGM-88 anti-radiation missile (HARM) of the USA is an example of air-to-surface anti-radiation weapon.
Radar Guided Weapons:
Radar guidance, encompassing both semi-active and active radar homing, is a widely utilized technology in long-range surface-to-air and air-to-air missile systems.
When using semi-active radar guidance, the target is exposed to external radar radiation, and the missile-seeker head uses the signal that is reflected off the target to come closer to the target.
MBDA EXOCET anti-ship missile of France and DRDO-Astra BVRAAM of India are some examples.
Laser-guided weapons:
These weapons employ a laser beam to guide the projectile, missile, or bomb so that it hits the target exactly. Except for laser beam riding, the majority of laser-guided weapons work based on semi-active laser homing, which is comparable to semi-active radar homing.
The method of laser designation involves illuminating the intended target with a laser beam. It scatters in all directions after bouncing off the target. The munition’s laser seeker locates the laser energy’s arrival direction and directs it toward the intended target.
Copperhead and Krasnopol, Paveway-II, and Hellfire are some examples.
Infra-red-guided weapons:
Another name for these missiles is heat-seeking missiles. An infrared sensor on the missile’s head serves as the seeker’s head in this scenario. The infrared seekers are made to be sensitive to either the 3-5 micron band (called single-color seekers in this case) or the 3-5 micron and 8-12 micron bands (called two-color seekers). Two-color seekers on infrared missiles make them significantly more resistant to countermeasures like flares.
Wire Guided Weapons:
The wire-guided systems near the launch site and the missile are connected by a bundle of wires that transmit electrical signals to the missile for guidance.
As the weapon flies, the cables retract out from behind it. Anti-tank missiles frequently employ wire guidance, which is especially useful in situations where line-of-sight availability is restricted.
Beam Riding Weapons:
Beam-riding weapons make use of a radar or laser beam for guidance. Targets, typically tanks or airplanes, are targeted by a narrow radar or laser beam.
The missile is fired at the target, and occasionally it collides with a radar or laser beam after launch. It maintains itself within the beam with the aid of sensors and a computer on board the missile. Until it strikes the target, the aiming station maintains the beam’s direction.
GPS/INS Guided weapons:
GPS/INS-guided weaponry uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track the weapon’s attitude and modify its flight path to hit the target precisely, as well as a multi-channel GPS receiver to provide positional data.
This is a low-cost, countermeasure-immune precision targeting method that is not impacted by weather or target concealment.
Challenges Faced By Precision-Guided Munitions:
High Cost:
PGMs frequently cost a great deal more than unguided ammunition. This may restrict their use, particularly in the military with limited funding.
Weather Conditions & Interferences:
Certain PGM navigation systems, such as GPS, are weather-resistant, whereas others are prone to disturbance. For example, fog, smoke, or clouds that block the laser beam can interfere with laser navigation systems.
New Evolving Threats and Technologies:
PGMs must adapt to changing strategies and technological advancements made by possible enemies. This calls for ongoing development and research to guarantee efficacy against new threats.
Conclusion
Precision-Guided Munitions are a cornerstone of modern military strategy, offering unparalleled accuracy, versatility, and efficiency in targeting. Their advanced technology enhances operational effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage and resource consumption. As technology continues to advance, PGMs will remain pivotal in shaping the future of warfare, providing military forces with the tools to conduct precise and impactful operations.