weapons system

weapons system

Any integrated system for the control and operation of a specific type of weaponry. Weapons are usually divided into two categories, strategic and tactical. Strategic weapons strike at the seat of an enemy's military, economic, and political power, targeting cities, factories, military bases, transportation and communications networks, and seats of government. Most nuclear weapons are part of strategic weapons systems. Tactical weapons are designed instead for offensive or defensive use at relatively short range—for example, guided missiles intended as antiaircraft and antitank weapons, or other weapons used in aerial and naval combat.

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weapons system [′wep·ənz ‚sis·təm]

(ordnance)

Two or more instruments of combat operating as a single unit of striking power in military combat; specifically, a system in which two instruments of combat are required to perform a single mission.