👉 Classical missiles are precision-guided weapons that have been in use since the mid-20th century, primarily developed during the Cold War era. They are characterized by their accuracy and range, often exceeding 500 kilometers, making them effective for both strategic deterrence and tactical strikes. These missiles typically use a guidance system that can be either inertial navigation (self-contained onboard) or GPS (external). The most common types include the U.S. Minuteman and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) like the Minuteman III, which can carry multiple warheads and have multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). In contrast, the Soviet R-12 and later R-13 missiles used a simpler, but still reliable, inertial guidance system. Classical missiles are designed to deliver a payload with pinpoint accuracy, making them a critical component of modern military arsenals for both offensive and defensive purposes.
