Guided bombs are getting better; coalition efforts in the 1991 Gulf War involved the first large-scale use of laser-guided bombs, and demonstrated their excellent cost-effectiveness in medium altitude releases against high-contrast fixed targets in clear weather daylight conditions.

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Guided bombs are getting better; coalition efforts in the 1991 Gulf War involved the first large-scale use of laser-guided bombs, and demonstrated their excellent cost-effectiveness in medium altitude releases against high-contrast fixed targets in clear weather daylight conditions.

Guided bombs are getting better; coalition efforts in the 1991 Gulf War involved the first large-scale use of laser-guided bombs, and demonstrated their excellent cost-effectiveness in medium altitude releases against high-contrast fixed targets in clear weather daylight conditions. However, Nato operations in Kosovo in 1999 underlined the limited usefulness of such weapons in the presence of low cloud. The leading nations are now striving to achieve precision air-to-ground delivery under day/night all-weather conditions. Parallel efforts are directed toward longer ranges and more effective warheads. (Airborne Warfare)

Precision delivery of air-to-ground ordnance enhances terminal effectiveness, while reducing costs in both human and materiel terms. Another important advantage is the consequent reduction in collateral damage to civilian property and personnel. It may be noted that international law rules out attacks on military objectives that may be expected to result in collateral damage, which would be excessive in comparison to the direct military advantage in prospect. It is al...

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