Precision-guided munitions are the weapons of choice for Western nations during military operations. These systems figured prominently during recent military operations in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. In 1990, the United States made use of a variety of PGMs; however, they accounted for only around 10 percent of the ordnance expended. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010), PGMs accounted for nearly 70 percent of all ordnance used. By some accounts, the level of PGM use during the Libyan air campaign (Operation Unified Protector) reached 100 percent. The conflict saw this market's entire range of weapons in use. Long-range cruise missiles fired from warships and submarines struck targets throughout Libya in the opening days of this operation. Also, combat aircraft used anti-radiation missiles and other guided munitions to slowly destroy Qadhafi's air defense systems.
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