Talk:Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle
If you ever wondered what a MIRV in actual combat conditions looks like, tonite we are getting much video from Israel. [1]
According to WP, MIRVing technology, which has been around since the early 1960s, was only first ever combat tested in November 2024 with Oreshnik. I believe this is correct.
There is probably a lingering public misperception that MIRVs are only associated with nuclear arms. But they can be built into any ballistic missile. The only limitation is the weight and size of the warhead, being that nukes don't need a lot of weight or space. RobSZelensky Must Go! 17:54, June 15, 2025 (EDT)
Perhaps we need to go back to basics. "Missile defense" means shooting down a bullet with a bullet - a daunting challenge and task. It has never had higher than 63% success rate, by my estimation, under the best of combat conditions. Reports now indicate Israel's Iron Dome has fallen to 20%, which is why the United States now is intervening to assist from offshore platforms and bases in Iraq & elsewhere (exposing US bases to drone attacks from Iran and/or proxies, which apparently is happening).
Back to "missile defense" or attempting to kill a bullet with another bullet. This was a Reaganite idea developed in the 1980s in response the Soviet Union acquiring MIRVing technology in the 1970s - which the Democrats ardently opposed throughout the Reagan/Bush presidencies. Perhaps they were at least partially right - it would never be 100% successful. The real danger near appears to be weapons proliferation - not just nuclear proliferation - but "simpler" things like precision guided cruise missiles. In an effort to "get ahead and keep ahead" we only seem to be designing weapons that our "enemies" eventually (sooner rather than later) copy.
Much more can be said. RobSZelensky Must Go! 22:51, June 15, 2025 (EDT)
It should be noted, we've seen nothing like what's Iran is doing over Israel with ballistic missiles by Russia in Ukraine. And likely not. Russia is saving it for when they need it.
According to this report, Iran is using 20-30 year old stockpiles. [2]