Precision bombing

Precision bombing is an air-attack method that directs weapons at selected military or industrial targets rather than broad areas. Its accuracy depends on target identification, guidance, delivery conditions, and the weapon used.

Targeting (warfare): Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing objects for military action. It determines which objects a precision bombing mission is meant to strike.
Precision-guided munition: A precision-guided munition uses guidance to steer toward a designated target or set of coordinates. These weapons are the most direct means of increasing bombing accuracy.
Area bombing: Area bombing attacks a broad urban or geographic zone rather than a single selected point target. It represents the broad-area method precision bombing seeks to avoid.
Strategic bombing during World War II: Strategic bombing during World War II comprised air campaigns against military, industrial, and urban targets in Europe and Asia. Wartime experience exposed the gap between precision-bombing plans and operational accuracy.
Laser guidance: Laser guidance steers a weapon toward laser energy reflected from an illuminated target. Laser designation can guide bombs onto targets identified during an attack.
Joint Direct Attack Munition: The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a kit that converts unguided bombs into satellite-aided guided weapons. It shows how existing bombs can be adapted for coordinate-based precision attacks.
Carpet bombing: Carpet bombing is the saturation of an area with large numbers of bombs. Its deliberate spread of impacts contrasts with aiming at selected targets.
Operation Desert Storm: Operation Desert Storm was the 1991 coalition air and ground campaign to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Its televised guided-weapon strikes helped make precision bombing a public image of modern air war.
Global Positioning System: The Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system that provides positioning and timing data worldwide. Satellite coordinates let guided bombs approach fixed targets without continuous visual tracking.
Paveway: Paveway is a family of laser-guided bombs developed by the United States. Its laser-guided weapons exemplify attacks against targets that can be designated visually.

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