Definition of guided missile

The term "guided missile" was coined during the Cold War era in the 1950s when countries began developing advanced missile technology for both military and space exploration purposes. Prior to this, missiles were generally unguided and relied on fundamental designs like rocket-propelled mortars used in World War I and World War II. These unguided rockets lacked the accuracy, speed, and range necessary for modern weapon systems. Guided missiles, on the other hand, use complex navigation systems and onboard computers to steer themselves to their intended targets. They are equipped with features such as radars, infrared sensors, and global positioning systems that enable them to follow reconnaissance flights, navigate through hostile environments, and accurately hit their targets with extreme precision. The first guided missile was developed in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s, followed by the United States in the 1950s. The technology has since revolutionized military operations, enhancing strategic capabilities and enabling more sophisticated military operations with less collateral damage. In summary, the term "guided missile" describes advanced missile technology that uses navigation systems and onboard computers to accurately hit a target, a significant evolution from the early and less-sophisticated rocket designs of the past.