weapons system

weapons systemThe 9K37 BUK (known as SA-11 Gadfly by NATO) is a self-propelled, medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and introduced in 1980.

weapons system, any integrated system, usually computerized, for the control and operation of weapons of a particular kind. Intercontinental ballistic missiles, long-range bombers, and antiballistic missiles are the weaponry of the strategic weapons system (q.v.). Guided missiles operating at shorter range, e.g., anti-aircraft or battlefield weapons and air-to-air or air-to-surface attack-type missiles, constitute a tactical weapons system (q.v.).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: weapons system
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 15 July 2009
Access Date: February 22, 2025