Which component is typically responsible for the initiation of a warhead in a weapon?

The component responsible for the initiation of a warhead in a weapon is the fuze. The fuze is a critical safety and activation device that ensures the explosive charge detonates at the appropriate time, whether upon impact with a target or after a certain delay or condition is met. This precision is essential for effective targeting and to minimize the risk of accidental detonation.

The guidance system, while important for directing the weapon to its intended target, does not directly initiate the warhead. It plays a separate role in flight management and trajectory correction. The control surface refers to the aerodynamic surfaces on the weapon that help stabilize and maneuver it during flight, but again, it does not function in the initiation of warhead detonation. The launcher, which is responsible for deploying or firing the weapon, also does not have any role in triggering the warhead itself. Thus, the fuze stands out as the specific component designed to initiate the weapon's explosive effects.