laser-guided bomb

A laser-guided bomb is a type of precision-guided munition, often referred to as a "smart bomb." Unlike conventional bombs that fall solely by gravity, smart bombs have control surfaces that adjust their descent, allowing them to glide towards a target.1

Laser-guided bombs specifically use a laser beam to find their target. The target is illuminated by a laser, and sensors in the bomb's nose lock onto the reflected laser light, guiding the bomb to impact. These weapons enable more accurate attacks on stationary targets, reducing the number of bombs and aircraft needed compared to older bombing techniques. They were notably used in the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War for their pinpoint accuracy. Bunker-buster bombs, a type of hard-target munition, are also laser-guided and designed to penetrate hardened structures.12