Precision of Strikes

Why in News? India has recently  conducted  precision of strikes under the Operation Sindoor at various terrorists locations in PoK.

Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains

Prelims : Operation Sindoor/ precision-guided munitions (PGMs)/ JDAM

Mains :   GS Paper 2/GS Paper III: Internal Security and Challenges

What is  precision strike?

• The term “precision strike” refers to a military attack designed to accurately target and destroy specific objectives with minimal collateral damage, often using advanced technology like precision-guided munitions (PGMs). These strikes aim to neutralize high-value targets—such as command centers, infrastructure, or enemy forces—while reducing harm to civilians and surrounding areas.
• The concept gained prominence during the 1991 Gulf War, where PGMs, like GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), demonstrated enhanced accuracy compared to unguided weapons.

Back ground :

• Historically, precision strike capabilities trace back to World War II with early guided munitions like the German Fritz X, evolving through electro-optical systems in the 1960s to modern GPS and laser-guided bombs.
• Despite claims of “pinpoint accuracy,” precision does not always guarantee effectiveness; for example, strikes may hit the intended target but fail to achieve the desired outcome, as seen in cases like the 2003 strike on “Chemical Ali,” which was accurate but ineffective. Critics also note that the term “precision” can be misleading, as it often refers to the targeting process rather than guaranteed accuracy, and civilian casualties remain a concern in complex environments.

 About other Strikes :

Surgical Strike: A highly focused attack targeting a specific asset (e.g., a terrorist leader or facility) with minimal collateral damage. Often uses precision-guided munitions or special forces. Example: The 2011 U.S. operation to kill Osama bin Laden.

Airstrike: An attack delivered by aircraft, which may or may not be precision-guided, targeting enemy positions, infrastructure, or personnel. Can range from broad bombing campaigns to targeted strikes. Example: NATO airstrikes in Libya (2011).

Drone Strike: A remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft (UAV) attack, typically using precision munitions to target individuals or small groups. Common in counterterrorism. Example: U.S. drone strike on Qasem Soleimani (2020).

Missile Strike: A long-range attack using cruise or ballistic missiles, often precision-guided, to hit strategic targets like command centers or defenses. Example: U.S. Tomahawk missile strikes on Syrian airbases (2017).

Special Operations Raid: A ground-based mission by elite forces to capture, kill, or destroy specific targets. Relies on stealth and precision. Example: The 2019 raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Artillery Strike: A bombardment using ground-based artillery, which can be precision-guided (e.g., Excalibur rounds) or unguided, targeting enemy positions or fortifications. Example: Use of M777 howitzers in Ukraine (2022).

Cyber Strike: A non-kinetic attack targeting enemy digital infrastructure (e.g., power grids, communications) with precision to disrupt operations. Example: Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear program (2010).

Decapitation Strike: Aimed at eliminating enemy leadership to disrupt command and control. Often uses precision strikes or special operations. Example: Attempted strike on Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Counterterrorism Strike: A broad category of actions (airstrikes, drone strikes, or raids) targeting terrorist networks or individuals. Emphasizes precision to avoid civilian casualties. Example: Ongoing U.S. operations against ISIS in Syria.

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Targeted attacks on enemy radar and anti-aircraft systems to enable air operations. Uses precision munitions to neutralize specific defenses. Example: U.S. SEAD missions during the Gulf War.

Key Features of PGMs:

Guidance Systems: PGMs use technologies like GPS, laser guidance, inertial navigation, electro-optical sensors, or radar to home in on targets with high accuracy, often within meters.
Purpose: Designed for precision strikes to destroy high-value targets (e.g., command centers, vehicles, or personnel) while reducing civilian casualties and damage to surrounding areas.
Platforms: Deployed from aircraft, drones, ships, submarines, or ground-based launchers.

Types of PGMs:

Laser-Guided Munitions: Guided by a laser designator (on the ground, aircraft, or drone) illuminating the target: Example: Paveway series (e.g., GBU-12): Use: Effective in clear weather; requires line-of-sight.
GPS/INS-Guided Munitions: Use satellite-based GPS and inertial navigation for all-weather, long-range accuracy: Example: Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), which converts unguided bombs into PGMs: Use: Ideal for fixed targets like buildings or bunkers.
Electro-Optical/Infrared-Guided Munitions: Use cameras or infrared sensors to lock onto visual or heat signatures: Example: AGM-65 Maverick missile: Use: Effective against moving targets like vehicles.
Radar-Guided Munitions: Use active or passive radar to track targets, often in anti-ship or anti-radar roles: Example: AGM-88 HARM (High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile): Use: Targets emitting radar signals, like air defense systems.
Satellite-Guided Cruise Missiles: Long-range missiles with GPS and terrain-matching for precision over hundreds of miles: Example: Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM): Use: Strategic strikes on infrastructure or command centers.
Loitering Munitions: Drones that loiter over a target area before striking with precision: Example: Switchblade drone: Use: Counterterrorism or tactical battlefield support.