MIRV
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
MIRV stands for Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
Missile payload carrying several nuclear warheads that can each strike a different target, greatly increasing the destructive capacity of a single missile and complicating missile defense.
Example: Analysts warned that MIRV technology would let the new missile hit several cities with one launch.
Usage notes
The United States first deployed MIRVs on Minuteman III in 1970. Arms control treaties such as START limited deployed warheads in part to restrain MIRVs. Pronounced "MUR-v." Used as a verb: a "MIRVed" missile.
Related abbreviations
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- LAW – Light Anti-Tank Weapon
- LGB – Laser-guided bomb
- LMG – Light machine gun
- MANPADS – Man-portable air-defense system
- MBT – Main battle tank
- MG – Machine gun
- MLRS – Multiple Launch Rocket System
- MOAB – Massive Ordnance Air Blast
- MOP – Massive Ordnance Penetrator
- MQ – Multi-mission unmanned aircraft
- MRAP – Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle
- NASAMS – National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System