The Advent of Smart Weapons

Precision guided munitions (PGMs) have fundamentally changed modern warfare since their widespread adoption starting in the late 20th century. PGMs allow weapons like bombs, missiles, and rockets to be guided to their target with unprecedented accuracy. By arming weapons with technologies like GPS, laser guidance, and infrared sensors, PGMs transformed "dumb" unguided munitions into "smart" weapons capable of striking targets with pinpoint precision.

Early Development and Deployment

The earliest precision guided weapons emerged during World War II as navies sought to increase the effectiveness of aerial bombing against ships. Radio-controlled glide bombs and rocket-assisted anti-ship missiles provided a capability beyond unguided general-purpose bombs. However, the technology was rarely used and not fully developed. After the war, the advent of integrated circuits and microcomputers enabled new generations of precision weapons incorporating digital electronics, cameras, target identification software, and propulsion systems to manoeuver in flight.

The Vietnam War saw some of the first widespread use of precision weapons as the US military developed TV- and laser-guided bombs as well as anti-radiation missiles to destroy North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile sites. However, limited numbers and high costs relegated these to specialized missions rather than the bulk of air attacks. Breakthroughs continued in the 1970s-80s with advances in infrared seekers, GPS technology, and improved guidance packages that reduced costs and size while increasing reliability and strike accuracy.

Revolutionizing Air Warfare

During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, PGMs demonstrated their full potential for the first time. US and coalition air forces relied heavily on laser-guided bombs like the Paveway and GPS-guided missiles like the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), quickly achieving air supremacy. Strikes on critical Iraqi targets were highly accurate thanks to PGMs, minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. The effectiveness of PGMs shocked observers and raised expectations for "precision" in future conflicts. Their widespread use is credited with greatly reducing the amount of munitions required and shortening the air campaign duration.

The growing availability and declining costs of PGMs fundamentally changed US airpower doctrines and operations. No longer were massive bombing raids with "dumb" bombs necessary to hit targets – precision weapons enabled effects-based operations focusing on critical strategic points. New generations of GPS-guided bombs and missiles enhanced reliability and operability. By the late 1990s, PGMs constituted the majority of air-delivered munitions in US inventory, establishing a new standard in aerial warfare. Their dominance has continued into the 21st century during operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and elsewhere.

Transforming Naval and Ground Warfare

Naval weaponry was also heavily impacted by PGMs. Beyond early anti-ship missiles, PGMs enabled new capabilities for ship and submarine launched land-attack cruise missiles. Precision Tomahawk land-attack missiles played a key role in conflicts from Bosnia to Iraq with immense striking range. Modern fighters and attack aircraft also rely extensively on precision air-to-surface weapons. PGMs gave naval forces potent tools for stand-off precision strikes with minimal risks.

Meanwhile on land, guided multiple launch rocket systems emerged capable of striking within meters of targets tens or even hundreds of kilometers away. GPS and inertial navigation enabled highly accurate artillery projectiles. Anti-tank guided missiles gained all-weather/night precision. This revolutionized combined arms, empowering forces to selectively engage groups of enemy troops, vehicles or facilities from extended ranges with precision rather than area bombardment. Drones further developed these trends, delivering PGMs as remotely piloted platforms.

Limitations and Adapting to New Challenges

However, PGMs are not a panacea. Their effectiveness depends on onboard sensors acquiring and tracking suitable targets – challenging in adverse weather, complex terrain, or against rapidly moving/maneuvering objects. GPS signals can also be jammed, spoofing precision. High unit costs also mean PGMs remain selective weapons rather than suitable for blanket area bombardment.

Adversaries are working to challenge PGM advantages by dispersing and concealing critical assets, mobile Integrated Air Defenses, operating underground/masked by civilians, and through electronic warfare. Non-state actors favor asymmetric and insurgent tactics less reliant on fixed facilities. Some even modify cheap commercial drones into improvised loitering munition "suicide drones".