Editing Missile

{{Short description|Self-propelled guided weapon system}}
{{About|guided missiles|unguided missiles|Rocket (weapon)|flying weapon|Projectile|other uses}}
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| image1=Dnepr_rocket_lift-off_1.jpg
| image2=FGM-148 Javelin at Saber Strike, 2016.jpg
| image3=A harpoon missile launches from the missile deck of the USS Coronado off the coast of Guam, Aug. 22, 2017.jpg
| image4=A_modified_Prithvi_missile_as_the_enemy_target_lifting_off_from_the_integrated_test_range_at_Chandipur-on-sea_for_the_advanced_air_defence_missile_test_on_December_06,_2007.jpg
| image5=The improved performanceh BrahMos supersonic cruise missile successfully launched at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on 20 January 2022 - 1.jpg
| image6=HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) fires RIM-162 missiles in July 2016.JPG
| footer=Various types of missiles; '''Left to right''':<br />1. [[R-36 (missile)|R-36M]] [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]<br />2. [[FGM-148 Javelin]] [[anti-tank guided missile|anti-tank missile]]<br />3. [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] [[anti-ship missile]]<br />4. [[Prithvi Air Defence|Prithvi]] [[anti-ballistic missile]]<br />5. [[BrahMos]] [[cruise missile]]<br />6. [[RIM-162 ESSM|RIM-162]] [[surface-to-air missile]]
}}

A '''missile''' is an airborne ranged weapon capable of [[Propulsion|self-propelled]] flight aided usually by a [[propellant]], [[jet engine]] or [[rocket motor]]. 

Historically, 'missile' referred to any [[projectile]] that is thrown, shot or propelled towards a target; this usage is still recognized today with any unguided jet- or rocket-propelled weapons generally described as [[rocket artillery]]. Airborne [[explosive device]]s without propulsion are referred to as [[shell (projectile)|shells]] if fired by an [[artillery piece]] and [[Aerial bomb|bombs]] if dropped by an aircraft.

Missiles are also generally [[missile guidance|guided]] towards specific targets termed as [[guided missiles]] or guided [[Rocket (weapon)|rockets]]. Missile systems usually have five system components: [[targeting (warfare)|targeting]], [[guidance system]], flight system, [[engine]], and [[warhead]]. Missiles are primarily classified into different types based on firing source and target such as [[surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]], [[air-to-surface missile|air-to-surface]], [[surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] and [[air-to-air missile]]s.

== Terminology ==
Missile is derived from [[Latin]] "missilis" meaning "that may be thrown".<ref name="OE">{{cite web|url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/missile_n?tab=factsheet#36366705|title=Missile, etymology|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="CD">{{cite web|title=Century Dictionary Online Lookup for 'missile'|url=https://server-66-113-234-189.da.direct/century-dictionary.com/html/wnph-chw.php?query=missile&type=dicts|access-date=4 May 2025|work=[[Century Dictionary]]}}</ref> The first use of the word was in the early 1600s by [[Philemon Holland]].<ref name="OE"/> Historically, 'missile' referred to any [[projectile]] that is capable of being thrown or a weapon that is shot or propelled towards a target.<ref name="CD"/><ref name="OED missile">{{Cite book|title=OED Online|date=2021|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|url=https://www.oed.com|access-date=17 March 2021|chapter=missile, n. and adj.|quote=a. An object propelled (either by hand or mechanically) as a weapon at a target<br/>b. Military. A long-distance weapon that is self-propelled, and directed either by remote control or automatically, during part or all of its course.}}</ref> Later military definition refers to a missile as an airborne ranged weapon capable of [[propulsion|self-propelled flight]] [[missile guidance|guided]] towards a specific target.<ref name="OED missile"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Missile|url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/missile |access-date=4 May 2025|work=[[Oxford Dictionary]]}}</ref> Any unguided [[jet propulsion|jet]] or [[rocket]]-propelled weapons are generally described as [[rocket artillery]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/rocket_1?q=rocket|title=Rocket|access-date=4 May 2025|work=[[Oxford Dictionary]]}}</ref> and airborne [[explosive devices]] without propulsion are referred to as [[Shell (projectile)|shells]] if fired by an [[artillery piece]] and [[bombs]] if dropped by a vehicle such as an [[aircraft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Shell|url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/shell_1?q=shell|access-date=4 May 2025|work=[[Oxford Dictionary]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bomb|url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/bomb_1?q=bomb|access-date=4 May 2025|work=[[Oxford Dictionary]]}}</ref>

== History ==
{{See also|History of rockets and missiles}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1975-117-26, Marschflugkörper V1 vor Start.jpg|thumb|A [[V-1 flying bomb]], amongst the first guided missiles]]

[[Rocket (weapon)|Rockets]] were the precursor to modern missiles and the first rockets were used as propulsion systems for [[arrow]]s as early as the 10th century in [[Imperial China|China]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Crosby|first=Alfred W.|title=Throwing Fire: Projectile Technology Through History|year=2002|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0-5217-9158-8|pages=100–103}}</ref> Usage of rockets as weapons before modern rocketry is attested to in China, [[Korea]], [[Indian subcontinent|India]] and [[Europe]]. In the 18th century, [[Mysorean rockets|iron-cased rockets]] were used in India by the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] and [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha Empire]] against the [[British East India Company|British]] which was developed into [[Congreve rocket]] and used in the [[Napoleonic Wars]].<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Forbes|first1=James|last2=Rosée comtesse de Montalembert|first2=Eliza|title=Oriental Memoirs – A Narrative of Seventeen Years Residence in India, Part 68, Volume 1|date=1834|page=359|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r2IOAAAAQAAJ|access-date=26 April 2022|quote=The war rocket used by the Mahrattas which very often annoyed us, is composed of an iron tube eight or ten inches long and nearly two inches in diameter. This destructive weapon is sometimes fixed to a rod iron, sometimes to a straight two-edged sword, but most commonly to a strong bamboo cane four or five feet long with an iron spike projecting beyond the tube to this rod or staff, the tube filled with combustible materials}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html|title=Brief History of Rockets|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[NASA]]}}</ref>

In the early 20th century, [[Americans|American]] [[Robert Goddard (scientist)|Robert Goddard]] and [[German people|German]] [[Hermann Oberth]] developed early rockets propelled by jet engines.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Topics of the Times|url=http://it.is.rice.edu/~rickr/goddard.editorial.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209230323/http://it.is.rice.edu/~rickr/goddard.editorial.html|archive-date=9 February 2008|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 January 2013|access-date=21 June 2007}}</ref> In the 1920s, [[Soviet Union]] developed solid fuel rockets at the [[Gas Dynamics Laboratory]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Zak|first1=Anatoly|title=Gas Dynamics Laboratory|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/gdl.html|website=Russian Space Web|access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref> Later, the first missiles to be used operationally were a series of rocket based [[List of World War II guided missiles of Germany|missiles]] developed by [[Nazi Germany]] during [[World War&nbsp;II]] including the [[V-1 flying bomb]] and [[V-2 rocket]] which used mechanical [[autopilot]] to keep the missile flying along a pre-chosen route.<ref name="VW">{{Cite web|title=The V Weapons|url=https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/world-war-two-in-western-europe/the-v-revenge-weapons/the-v-weapons/|work=History Learning Site}}</ref> Less well known were a series of [[Anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] and [[Surface-to-air missile|anti-aircraft]] missiles, typically based on a simple [[radio control]] ([[command guidance]]) system directed by the operator. However, these early systems in World War&nbsp;II were only built in small numbers.<ref name="VW"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/british-response-v1-and-v2/|title=British Response to V1 and V2|work=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]], [[Government of United Kingdom]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/missile-surface-surface-v-2-4|title=Missile, Surface-to-Surface, V-2 (A-4)|date=1 April 2016|work=[[National Air and Space Museum]]|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> After World War II, the advent of the [[Cold War]] and development of [[nuclear weapons]] necessitated faster, more accurate and more versatile missiles with longer range and missile development was pursued by multiple countries.

[[File:Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.png|thumb|Signatories of the [[International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation]].]]
=== Proliferation restrictions<span class="anchor" id="Proliferation"></span> ===
Various attempts have been made to control the spread of long range missiles capable of carrying [[weapons of mass destruction]], such as the [[Missile Technology Control Regime]] (1987) and the [[International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation]] (2002). These were voluntary and not [[international treaties]]. Though not legally binding, more than 140 countries have been part of these agreements, and provide prior information on missile programs, expected launches, and tests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2003-01/news/code-conduct-aims-stop-ballistic-missile-proliferation |title=Code of Conduct Aims to Stop Ballistic Missile Proliferation |last=Kerr |first=Paul |work=Arms Control Association |year=2003 |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="IISS">{{cite web |url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2021/08/hague-code-of-conduct/ |title=Appraising the Hague Code of Conduct |last1=Stefanovich |first1=Dmitry |last2=Wright |first2=Timothy |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=3 August 2021 |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> The gradual introduction of missile launched [[hypersonic glide vehicles]] since 2019, [[anti-satellite missiles]], and the deployment of dual use missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads are proliferation concerns.<ref name="IISS"/>

==Components==
===Guidance, targeting and flight systems===
{{main|Missile guidance}}
[[File:Missile homing.jpg|thumb|200px|A semi-active missile [[Homing (missile guidance)|homing]] system]]
A missile is most often guided by a guidance system though there are missiles that are unguided during some phases of flight.<ref name="Siouris">{{Cite book|title=Missile Guidance and Control Systems|first=George|last=Siouris|year=2006|isbn=978-0-3872-1816-8|publisher=[[Springer New York]]|page=6}}</ref> Missile guidance refers to methods of guiding a missile to its intended target. Effective guidance is important because reaching the target position accurately and precisely is a critical factor for its effectiveness.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wjVnisG_6KMC&q=Probability+of+guidance&pg=PA34|title=Fundamentals of Strategic Weapons: Offense and Defense Systems|isbn=978-9-0247-2545-8|last1=Constant|first1=James N.|date=27 September 1981|publisher=[[Brill Publishers|Martinus Nijhoff Publishers]] }}</ref> The missile guidance system accomplishes this by four steps: tracking the target, computing the directions using tracking information, directing the computed inputs to steering control and steering the missile by directing inputs to motors or flight control surfaces.<ref name="USO">{{Cite book|title=Aviation Ordnanceman 3 & 2|page=355|year=1967|publisher=United States Bureau of Naval Personnel}}</ref> The guidance system consists of three sections: launch, mid-course and terminal with same or different systems employed across sections.<ref name="USO"/>
[[File:Solid-Fuel Rocket Diagram.svg|thumb|200px|A simplified diagram of a solid-fuel rocket. {{olist
  |A [[Rocket propellant|propellant]] is packed with a hole in the middle
  |An [[Pyrotechnic initiator|igniter]] combusts the propellant
  |The hole acts as a [[combustion chamber]]
  |The hot exhaust is choked at the throat
  |Exhaust exits the rocket
}}]]

The guidance and [[Homing (missile guidance)|homing]] systems are generally classified broadly into [[Active radar homing|active]], [[Semi-active radar homing|semi-active]] and [[Passive radar homing|passive]].<ref name="Siouris"/> In active homing systems, the missile carries the equipment needed to transmit the radiation needed to illuminate the target and receive the reflected energy. Once the homing is initiated, the missile [[fire-and-forget|directs independently]] towards the target.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Weapons System Fundamentals: Synthesis of systems|page=60|year=1960|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]]}}</ref> In semi-active systems, the source of the radiation is located outside the missile usually in the launch vehicle which might be an aircraft or a ship and the missile will receive the radiation to direct towards the target. As the source is located outside, the launch vehicle needs to continue supporting the missile till it is guided to the intended target.<ref name="Ctr">{{Cite book|title=Fire Control Technician M 3 & 2|publisher=[[United States Navy|United States Naval Education and Training Command]]|year=1978|page=87}}</ref> In a passive system, the missile relies solely on the information from the target.<ref name="Ctr"/> The homing system might use [[light]] such as [[infrared homing|infrared]], [[laser guidance|laser]] or [[visible light]], [[radar guidance|radio wave]]s or other [[electromagnetic radiation]] to illuminate the target. Once the guidance system identifies the target, the target might required to be tracked continuously if it is in motion. A guidance system might use [[Inertial navigation system|INS]] which consists of a [[gyroscope]] and [[accelerometer]] or might use  [[satellite guidance]] (such as [[Global Positioning System|GPS]]) to track the missile’s position relative to a known target.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/inertial-guidance-system|title=Inertial Guidance System|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The missile computers will compute the flight path required to steer the missile towards the target.<ref name="Ctr" /> In [[command guidance]], a human operator may operate it manually or a support or launch system will transmit commands by using either [[optic fiber]] or [[radio-control|radio]] to guide the missile.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/command-guidance-system|title=Command Guidance System|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The flight system uses the data from the targeting or guidance system to maneuver the missile in flight which might be accomplished using [[thrust vectoring|vectored thrust]] of engines or aerodynamic maneuvering using [[flight control surface]]s such as [[airplane wing|wings]], fins and [[canard (aeronautics)|canards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/vectored-thrust/|title=Vectored thrust|work=[[NASA]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

===Propulsion===
Missiles are powered by [[propellants]] igniting to produce thrust and might employ types of [[rocket engine|rocket]] or [[jet engine]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/rocket-engine-liquid-fuel-4-redstone-missile/nasm_A19910078000|title=Redstone Missile Rocket Engine|work=[[National Air and Space Museum]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Rockets might be fueled by [[solid-propellant rocket|solid-propellant]]s which are comparatively easier to maintain and enables faster deployment. These propellants contain a [[fuel]] and [[oxidizer]] mixed in select proportions with the grain size and burn chamber determining the rate and time of burn.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Kosanke|first1=K. L.|title=Encyclopedic Dictionary of Pyrotechnics: (and Related Subjects)|last2=Sturman|first2=Barry T.|last3=Winokur|first3=Robert M.|last4=Kosanke|first4=B. J.|date=October 2012|publisher=Journal of Pyrotechnics|isbn=978-1-88952-621-8}}</ref> Larger missiles might use [[liquid-propellant rocket]]s where propulsion is provided by a single or combination of liquid fuels.<ref name="Sutton">{{cite book|last=Sutton|first=George P.|title=Rocket Propulsion Elements, 3rd edition|year=1963|publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]]|location=[[New York City]]|pages=25, 186, 187}}</ref> A hybrid system uses solid rocket fuel with a liquid oxidizer.<ref name="Sutton"/> Jet engines are generally used in [[cruise missile]]s, most commonly of the [[turbojet]] type, because of their relative simplicity and low frontal area while [[turbofan]]s and [[ramjet]]s can also be theoretically used.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Turbojet Engine|publisher=[[NASA Glenn Research Center]]|url=http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/aturbj.html|access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brahmos.com/content.php?id=10|title=Missile system|work=[[BrahMos Aerospace]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> 

From the 1950s to early 1970s, the United States operated [[Project Rover]] and [[Project Pluto]] for developing [[nuclear thermal rocket]]s and nuclear-powered ramjet engines for powering cruise missiles respectively. Both performed static engine tests but were cancelled before deployment.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hacker |first=Barton C. |year=1995 |title=Whoever heard of nuclear ramjets? Project Pluto, 1957—1964 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/23786203 |journal=Icon |publisher=Temporary Publisher |volume=1 |pages=85–98 |issn=13618113 |jstor=23786203 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> Ballistic missiles often have multiple stages and might use similar type or a mix of propulsion types. Some missiles may have additional propulsion from another source at launch such as a [[catapult]], [[cannon]] or [[tank gun]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/2632/174|title=Lab products: SAMHO|work=[[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

===Warhead===
Missiles have one or more [[explosive]] [[warhead]]s, although other weapon types may also be used.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/warhead|title=Warhead|publisher=[[Cambridge Dictionary]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The warheads of a missile provide its primary destructive power which might cause secondary destruction due to the [[kinetic energy weapon|kinetic energy]] of the weapon.<ref name="WH">{{Cite book|title=Tactical Missile Warheads|year=1993|publisher=[[American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics]]|first=Joseph|last=Carleone}}</ref>{{rp|pages=64-65}} Warheads are most commonly of the [[high explosive]] type, often employing [[shaped charge]]s to exploit the accuracy of a guided weapon to destroy hardened targets. Warhead might carry [[conventional weapons|conventional]], [[incendiary device|incendiary]], [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]], [[chemical weapon|chemical]], [[biological weapon|biological]] or [[radiological weapon]]s.<ref name="WH"/>{{rp|page=65}}

==Classification==
{{See also|List of missiles}}
Missiles can be classified into categories by various parameters such as type, launch platform and target, range, propulsion and guidance system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brahmos.com/content.php?id=10&sid=9|title=Missile classification|work=[[BrahMos Aerospace]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Missiles are generally categorized into strategic or tactical missile systems. Tactical missile systems are short-range systems used to carry out a limited strike in a smaller area and might carry conventional or nuclear warheads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/with-putins-nuclear-threat-strategic-weapons-and-tactical-8179645/|title=Strategic and nuclear weapons|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="Brit1">{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/strategic-missile|title=Strategic missile|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Strategic missiles are long-range weapons used to target beyond the immediate vicinity and are mostly designed to carry nuclear warheads though other warheads can also be fitted.<ref name="Brit1"/>
[[File:Minuteman III MIRV path.svg|thumb|upright=1|Typical ballistic missile sequence: {{ubl
|1. Launches by firing motor1(A)
|2. Stage1 drops, motor2(B) ignites & shroud(E) ejects
|3. Motor3(C) ignites and separates
|4. Stage3 terminates and post-boost vehicle(D) separates
|5. Vehicle maneuvers itself and prepares re-entry vehicle (RV)
|6. RV with decoys and chaffs deploys
|7. RV re-enters the atmosphere
|8. Warhead(s) detonate on target}}]]

===Strategic===
Strategic weapons are often classified into [[cruise missile|cruise]] and [[ballistic missile]]s.<ref name="BCM">{{Cite web|url=https://militaryview.com/what-are-the-differences-between-a-ballistic-missile-and-a-cruise-missile/|title=Difference between ballistic and cruise missiles|date=14 September 2023 |publisher=Military view|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Ballistic missiles are powered by rockets during launch and follow a trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target while cruise missiles are continuously powered by jet engines and travel at a flatter trajectory.<ref name="BCM"/>

====Ballistic====
A ballistic missile is powered by single or multiple rockets in stages initially before following an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.<ref name="ACS">{{Cite web|url=https://armscontrolcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Ballistic-vs.-Cruise-Missiles-Fact-Sheet.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830223143/https://armscontrolcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Ballistic-vs.-Cruise-Missiles-Fact-Sheet.pdf|url-status=live|title=Ballistic vs cruise missiles|archive-date=30 August 2020|publisher=Arms Control Center|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> A ballistic missile might reach [[supersonic]] or [[hypersonic]] speed and often travel [[exoatmospheric|out of]] the [[atmosphere of earth|Earth's atmosphere]] before re-entry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=World's military powers|work=[[The Independent]]|url=http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/reports/world-report/74-world-report-/172-worlds-military-powers|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530062700/http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/reports/world-report/74-world-report-/172-worlds-military-powers|archive-date=30 May 2010}}</ref> It usually has three stages of flight:<ref name="ACS"/>
*Boost phase: First phase at launch when one or more stages of rocket engine(s) fire propelling the missile
*Mid-course phase: Second phase when the rocket engines stop firing and the missile continues ascending upwards on the given trajectory
*Terminal phase: Final phase when the warhead(s) detach and descend towards the target

[[File:Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missile]] in flight]]

Ballistic missiles are categorized based on range as:<ref name="Brit"/><ref name="BCM"/>
*[[short range missile|Short-range]] : less than {{convert|1000|km}}
*[[medium range ballistic missile|Medium-range]] : {{convert|1000|km}} to {{convert|3000|km}}
*[[intermediate range ballistic missile|Intermediate-range]] : {{convert|3000|km}} to {{convert|5500|km}}
*[[intercontinental ballistic missile|Inter-continental]] : greater than {{convert|5500|km}}

====Cruise====
A [[cruise missile]] is a guided missile that remains in the atmosphere and flies the major portion of its flight at a constant speed.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/cruise-missile|title=Cruise missile|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> It is designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision and are propelled by jet engines.<ref name="ACS"/> A cruise missile can be launched from multiple platforms and is often self-guided. It flies at lower speeds (often [[Subsonic flight|subsonic]] or [[supersonic]]) and close to the surface of the Earth, which expends more fuel but makes it difficult to detect.<ref name="BCM"/>

===Tactical===
Missiles might be also be classified basis launch platform and target into [[surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]], [[surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]], [[air-to-air missile|air-to-air]], [[air-to-surface missile|air-to-surface]], [[anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] and [[anti tank missile|anti-tank]].<ref name="Brit">{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/missile#ref4906|title=Missile|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"style="font-size: 85%"
!System
!Abbreviation
!Launch platform
!Target
|-
|[[Anti-ship missile|Anti-ship]]
|AShM
|Air/Land/Water
|Water
|-
|[[Anti tank missile|Anti-tank]]
|ATGM
|Air/Land
|Land
|-
|[[Air-to-air missile|Air-to-air]]
|AAM
|Air
|Air
|-
|[[Air-to-surface missile|Air-to-surface]]
|ASM
|Air
|Land
|-
|[[Surface-to-air missile|Surface-to-air]]
|SAM
|Land
|Air
|-
|[[Surface-to-surface missile|Surface-to-surface]]
|SSM
|Land
|Land
|-
|[[Anti-satellite weapon|Anti-satellite]]
|ASAT
|Air/Land/Water
|Space
|-
|}

====Anti-ship====
{{multiple image
| border    = 
| total_width = 210
| direction = vertical
| align = right
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Exocet-mil.jpg
| caption1 = An [[Exocet]] [[Anti-ship missile]] in flight
| image2 = Army-fgm148.jpg
| caption2 = An [[FGM-148 Javelin]] [[Anti-tank guided missile|Anti-tank missile]]
| image3 = Aircraft Combat Archer (2565196807).jpg
| caption3 = An [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] [[air-to-air missile|AAM]] fired from a [[Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22]]
| image4 = Rudram-1.jpg
| caption4 = A mounted [[Rudram (missile)|Rudram-1]] [[Air-to-surface missile]]
| image5 = Akash_MK-1S_missile_test_on_27_May_2019_-_1.jpg
| caption5 = An [[Akash (missile)|Akash]] [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] fired from a mobile platform
| image6 = ATACMSMay2006 (cropped).jpg
| caption6 = A [[MGM-140 ATACMS]] [[surface-to-surface missile|surface-surface missile]]
| image7 = CASATCoOrbital01.jpg
| caption7 = An artist's impression of an [[anti-satellite weapon|ASAT]]
}}
{{Main|Anti-ship missile|anti-ship ballistic missile|anti-submarine missile}}

An anti-ship missile (AShM) is designed for use against large [[boats]] and [[ships]] such as [[destroyer]]s and [[aircraft carrier]]s. Most anti-ship missiles are of the [[sea skimming]] variety, and many use a combination of [[inertial navigation system|inertial guidance]] and [[active radar homing]]. A large number of other anti-ship missiles use [[infrared homing]] to follow the heat that is emitted by a ship; it is also possible for anti-ship missiles to be guided by radio command all the way. Many anti-ship missiles can be launched from a variety of weapons systems including [[Surface combatant|surface warship]]s, [[submarine]]s, [[fighter plane|fighter aircraft]], [[maritime patrol aircraft]], [[Military helicopter|helicopters]], [[shore battery|shore batteries]], land vehicles and by [[infantry]].<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/antiship-missile|title=Anti ship missile|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

[[Anti-submarine missile]] is a [[standoff missile|standoff]] [[anti-submarine weapon]] variant of anti-ship missiles used to deliver an [[explosive material|explosive]] warhead aimed directly at a [[submarine]], a [[depth charge]], or a [[homing torpedo]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Submarine Warfare, Today and Tomorrow|first1=John Evelyn|last1=Moore|first2=Richard|last2=Compton-Hall|year=1987|isbn=978-0-9175-6121-4|publisher=Adler & Adler|page=23}}</ref>

====Anti-tank====
{{Main|Anti-tank guided missile}}
An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy [[armoured fighting vehicle|heavily armored]] [[military vehicle]]s. ATGMs range in size from [[Shoulder-fired missile|shoulder-launched]] weapons, which can be transported by a single soldier, to larger tripod-mounted or vehicle and aircraft mounted missile systems. Earlier man-portable [[anti-tank warfare|anti-tank weapons]] like [[anti-tank rifle]]s and magnetic [[anti-tank mine]]s had a short range but sophisticated antitank missiles can be directed to a longer target by several different guidance systems, including laser guiding, television camera, or [[Wire-guided missile|wire guiding]].<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/antitank-guided-missile|title=Anti tank guided missile|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

====Air-to-air====
{{Main|Air-to-air missile}}
An air-to-air missile (AAM) is a missile fired from a [[fighter aircraft]] for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more [[rocket motor]]s, usually [[solid-fuel rocket|solid fueled]] but sometimes [[liquid-fuel rocket|liquid fueled]]. A [[radar]] or [[Infrared homing|heat emission]] based homing system is generally used and sometimes can use a combination. Short range missiles used to [[dogfight|engage opposing aircraft]] at ranges of less than 16&nbsp;km often use infrared guidance while [[beyond-visual-range missile|long range]] missiles mostly rely upon radar guidance.<ref name="Tact">{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/tactical-weapons-system|title=Tactical Weapons system|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

====Air-to-surface====
{{Main|Air-to-surface missile}}
An air-to-surface missile (ASM) is a missile fired from an [[attack aircraft]], [[strike fighter]] or an [[attack helicopter]] for the purpose of destroying land based targets. Missiles are typically guided and unguided [[glide bomb]]s not considered missiles. The most common propulsion systems are rocket motor for short range and jet engines for long-range but [[ramjet]]s are also used. Missile guidance is typically via [[laser guidance|laser]], infrared homing, [[optical guidance|optical]] or [[satellite guidance|satellite]]. Air-to-surface missiles for ground attack by aircraft provide a higher [[standoff distance]] engaging targets from far away and out of range of low range air defenses.<ref name="Tact"/>

====Surface-to-air====
{{Main|Surface-to-air missile}}
A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy [[aircraft]], other missiles or flying objects. It is a type of [[antiaircraft warfare|anti-aircraft system]] and missiles have replaced most other forms of anti-aircraft weapons due to the increased range and accuracy. [[Anti-aircraft gun]]s are being used only for specialized close-in firing roles.<ref name="Wragg">{{Cite book|title=A Dictionary of Aviation|first=David W.|last=Wragg|isbn=978-0-85045-163-4|edition=first|publisher=Osprey|year=1973|page=254}}</ref> Missiles can be mounted in clusters on vehicles or towed on trailers and can be hand operated by infantry. SAMs frequently use solid-propellants and may be guided by radar or infrared sensors or by a human operator using optical tracking.<ref name="Tact"/>

====Surface-to-surface====
{{Main|Surface-to-surface missile}}
A surface-to-surface missile (SSM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground or the sea and strike targets on land.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/the-worlds-top-air-to-surface-missiles/|title=The world's top air-to-surface missiles|date=November 2019 |work=Airforce technology|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> They may be fired from hand-held or vehicle mounted devices, from fixed installations or from a ship. They are often powered by a rocket engine or sometimes fired by an explosive charge, since the launching platform is typically stationary or moving slowly. They usually have fins and/or wings for [[lift (force)|lift]] and stability, although hyper-velocity or short-ranged missiles may use body lift or fly a ballistic trajectory.<ref name="Wragg"/> Most anti-tank and anti-ship missiles are part of surface-to-surface missile systems.<ref name="Tact"/>

====Anti-satellite====
{{Main|Anti-satellite weapon}}
An anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) is a [[space weapon]] designed to incapacitate or destroy [[satellite]]s for [[strategic military|strategic]] or [[Military tactics|tactical]] purposes.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Friedman|first1=Norman|title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems|year=1989|publisher=Naval Institute Press|page=244|isbn=9-780-8702-1793-7}}</ref> Although no ASAT system has {{as of|2023|alt=yet}} been utilized in [[warfare]], a few countries have successfully shot down their own satellites to demonstrate their ASAT capabilities in a [[show of force]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hitchens|first=Theresa|title=Indian ASAT Debris Threatens All LEO Sats: Update|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2019/04/indian-asat-debris-threatens-all-leo-sats/|access-date=6 January 2021|work=Breaking Defense|date=5 April 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109041323/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/04/indian-asat-debris-threatens-all-leo-sats/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Strout|first=Nathan|date=16 December 2020|title=Space Command calls out another Russian anti-satellite weapon test|url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/12/16/space-command-calls-out-another-russian-anti-satellite-weapon-test/|access-date=6 January 2021|work=C4ISRNET|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109000347/https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/12/16/space-command-calls-out-another-russian-anti-satellite-weapon-test/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Russia conducts space-based anti-satellite weapons test|url=https://www.spacecom.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2285098/russia-conducts-space-based-anti-satellite-weapons-test/|access-date=6 January 2021|work=[[United States Space Command]]|language=en-US|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109053433/https://www.spacecom.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2285098/russia-conducts-space-based-anti-satellite-weapons-test/|url-status=live}}</ref> ASATs have also been used to remove decommissioned satellites.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gohd|first=Chelsea|date=22 November 2021|title=Russian anti-satellite missile test draws condemnation from space companies and countries|url=https://www.space.com/crussian-anti-satellite-missile-test-world-condemnation|access-date=23 November 2021|work=Space.com}}</ref> ASAT roles include defensive measures against an adversary's space-based and nuclear weapons, a [[force multiplier]] for a nuclear [[Pre-emptive nuclear strike|first strike]], a countermeasure against an adversary's [[Anti-ballistic missile defense countermeasure|anti-ballistic missile defense]] (ABM), an [[asymmetric warfare|asymmetric]] counter to a technologically superior adversary, and a [[countervalue|counter-value]] weapon.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Strauch|first=Adam|title=Still All Quiet on the Orbital Front? The Slow Proliferation of Anti-satellite Weapons|journal=Defence & Strategy|year=2014}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Vertical launching system]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wiktionary|missile}}

*{{Commons-inline|Missile}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Missiles}}

{{Missile types}}

{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Missile types| ]]
[[Category:Rockets and missiles| ]]
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[[Category:Explosive weapons]]