Precision-Guided Munitions: Background and Issues for Congress

Abstract

Over the years, the U.S. military has become reliant on precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to execute military operations. PGMs are used in ground, air, and naval operations. Defined by the Department of Defense (DOD) as [a] guided weapon intended to destroy a point target and minimize collateral damage, PGMs can include air- and ship-launched missiles, multiple launched rockets, and guided bombs. These munitions typically use radio signals from the global positioning system (GPS), laser guidance, and inertial navigation systems (INS)using gyroscopesto improve a weapons accuracy to reportedly less than 3 meters (approximately 10 feet). Precision munitions were introduced to military operations during World War II; however, they first demonstrated their utility operationally during the Vietnam War and gained prominence in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Since the 1990s, due in part to their ability to minimize collateral damage, PGMs have become critical components in U.S. operations, particularly in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The proliferation of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems is likely to increase the operational utility of PGMs. In particular, peer competitors like China and Russia have developed sophisticated air defenses and anti-ship missiles that increase the risk to U.S. forces entering and operating in these regions. Using advanced guidance systems, PGMs can be launched at long ranges to attack an enemy without risking U.S. forces. As a result, DOD has argued it requires longer rangemunitions to meet these new threats. The Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all use PGMs. In FY2021, the Department of Defense (DOD)requested approximately $4.1 billion for more than 41,337 weapons in 15 munitions programs. DOD projects requesting approximately $3.3 billion for 20,456 weapons in FY2022, $3.9 billion for 23,306 weapons in FY2023, $3.9 billion for 18,376 weapons in FY2024, and $3.6 billion for 16,325 weapons in FY2025.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 26, 2020
Accession Number
AD1169867

Entities

People

  • John R. Hoehn
  • Samuel D. Ryder

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Anti-Radiation Missiles
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Guided Bombs
  • Guided Missiles
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Land Attack Missiles
  • Multiple Launch Rocket System
  • National Security
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Rockets
  • Satellite Guided Weapons
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space