What does fire-and-forget capability mean for missiles like the SS-N-26?

• A. It requires continuous guidance from the launcher.
• B. It is guided by a tethered wire until impact.
• C. It guides itself after launch.
• D. It can be redirected after launch.

Answer: (C)

Fire-and-forget means the missile flies to the target on its own after launch, using onboard guidance to navigate without continued input from the launcher. Once ignited, there’s no need for continuous steering or commands from the operator; the missile autonomously steers, often using inertial guidance to reach the vicinity and a terminal seeker or other onboard sensors to finish the strike. This allows the launching platform to maneuver away or engage other targets, since it isn’t tied to guiding the weapon during flight. For a submarine-launched missile like the SS-N-26, the flight is guided by its own systems after launch, without requiring real-time guidance from the submarine, and it cannot be redirected mid-flight in the traditional sense.