Precision-guided munitions (PGMs), also nicknamed smart bombs or smart weapons, are a type of weapon that use guidance systems to hit specific targets with a high degree of accuracy. This helps to minimize collateral damage, which is the unintended injury or destruction of people or property that are not involved in the fighting.

PGMs typically use a combination of different guidance systems, such as:

·       GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS uses satellites to provide very accurate location data. PGMs can use GPS to navigate to a target's coordinates.

·       Laser guidance: Laser guidance systems use a laser beam to illuminate a target. The PGM homes in on the reflected laser light.

·       Inertial navigation systems (INS): INS are self-contained navigation systems that use gyroscopes and accelerometers to track the PGM's movement. INS can be used to guide the PGM during the initial part of its flight, until it can acquire a signal from another guidance system.

PGMs can be launched from a variety of platforms, including airplanes, ships, and ground vehicles. They are used in a variety of military operations, including air strikes, ground attacks, and anti-ship warfare.

The use of PGMs has revolutionized warfare by making it possible to strike targets with much greater accuracy than ever before. This has led to a reduction in collateral damage and civilian casualties. However, PGMs are also very expensive, and their use can raise ethical concerns, such as the possibility of making war more likely.

Precision Guided Munition (PGM) refers to a type of weapon that uses guidance systems to accurately hit a specific target. Unlike traditional munitions, which rely on unguided propulsion and are generally less accurate, PGMs utilize various guidance technologies such as GPS, laser guidance, or inertial navigation systems to precisely direct the weapon to its intended target.

The advantages of precision-guided munitions include reduced collateral damage, improved effectiveness against high-value targets, and the ability to strike targets with greater accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions. These munitions are extensively used in modern military operations to minimize civilian casualties and infrastructure damage while maximizing operational effectiveness. Examples of precision-guided munitions include guided bombs, missiles, and artillery shells.

Major Precision Guided Munition companies are setting the standard for performance and quality that is unsurpassed.

Lockheed Martin Corporation: Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company. They are known for producing a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Hellfire missiles, and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Lockheed Martin is a leader in developing advanced guidance systems for various types of munitions.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation: Raytheon is another prominent player in the precision-guided munitions market. They specialize in producing advanced missile systems, including the Paveway series of laser-guided bombs, the Tomahawk cruise missile, and the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Raytheon's expertise lies in both air-to-ground and air-to-air precision strike capabilities.

Boeing Company: Boeing is a major aerospace and defense contractor that manufactures a variety of precision-guided munitions. They are known for the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, which convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. Boeing also produces the Harpoon anti-ship missile and the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), among other guided weapons systems.

Northrop Grumman Corporation: Northrop Grumman is involved in the development and production of precision-guided munitions, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones. They manufacture the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) and the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), both of which are highly accurate and versatile munitions used by various branches of the U.S. military and allied forces.

MBDA: MBDA is a European multinational company specializing in missile systems. They produce a wide range of precision-guided munitions for air, land, and sea applications. MBDA's products include the Brimstone missile, Storm Shadow cruise missile, and the Spear family of precision-guided munitions. They are a significant player in the European defense market.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael is an Israeli defense technology company known for its development of precision-guided munitions and missile defense systems. They produce the Spike family of guided missiles, which includes anti-tank, anti-ship, and surface-to-surface variants. Rafael's expertise lies in innovative guidance technologies and multi-role missile systems.

Thales Group: Thales is a French multinational company that produces a range of defense and aerospace technologies, including precision-guided munitions. They manufacture the Scalp cruise missile and the BAT-120 gliding munition, among others. Thales specializes in providing integrated solutions for air, land, and naval platforms.