Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle

An intermediate case is the multiple reentry vehicle (MRV) missile which carries several warheads which are dispersed but not individually aimed.

[6] The smaller power of the warheads used (W62, W78 and W87) was offset by increasing the accuracy of the system, allowing it to attack the same hard targets as the larger, less accurate, W56.

With MIRV, a single new enemy missile meant that multiple interceptors would have to be built, meaning that it was much less expensive to increase the attack than the defense.

In June 2017 the United States finished converting its Minuteman III missiles back to using a single reentry vehicle system, as part of its obligations under the New START treaty.

However, the US had a larger number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which could be outfitted with MIRVs, and helped offset the ICBM disadvantage.

In a MIRV, the main rocket motor (or booster) pushes a "bus" into a free-flight suborbital ballistic flight path.

After the boost phase, the bus maneuvers using small on-board rocket motors and a computerized inertial guidance system.

The precise technical details are closely guarded military secrets, to hinder any development of enemy counter-measures.

Additionally, some buses (e.g. the British Chevaline system) can release decoys to confuse interception devices and radars, such as aluminized balloons or electronic noisemakers.

Multiple-warhead missiles require both a miniaturized physics package and a lower mass re-entry vehicle, both of which are highly advanced technologies.

On November 21, 2024, as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia launched an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, striking Dnipro.

[20] Analysts stated the missile may have used a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV), which would mark their first use in combat.

The MIRV U.S. Peacekeeper missile, with the re-entry vehicles highlighted in red.
Technicians secure a number of Mk12A re-entry vehicles on a Peacekeeper MIRV bus.
LGM-118A Peacekeeper MIRV at the National Museum of the United States Air Force .
A Trident II missile , operated exclusively by the US Navy and Royal Navy . Each missile can carry up to 12 warheads. [ 1 ]
Minuteman III MIRV launch sequence: 1. The missile launches out of its silo by firing its first-stage boost motor ( A ). 2. About 60 seconds after launch, the first-stage drops off and the second-stage motor ( B ) ignites. The missile shroud ( E ) is ejected. 3. About 120 seconds after launch, the third-stage motor ( C ) ignites and separates from the second-stage. 4. About 180 seconds after launch, the third-stage thrust terminates and the post-boost vehicle ( D ) separates from the rocket. 5. The post-boost vehicle maneuvers itself and prepares for re-entry vehicle (RV) deployment. 6. While the post-boost vehicle backs away, the RVs, decoys, and chaff are deployed (this may occur during ascent). 7. The RVs and chaff reenter the atmosphere at high speeds and are armed in flight. 8. The nuclear warheads detonate, either as air bursts or ground bursts.
Testing of the Peacekeeper reentry vehicles: all eight (of a possible ten) were fired from only one missile. Each line shows the path of an individual warhead captured on reentry via long-exposure photography.
RSD-10 Pioneer MIRV at the National Air and Space Museum