Which homing system relies on a third party to transmit signals?

The semi-active homing system is characterized by its reliance on a third party to emit signals, which the target then homes in on. In this system, a missile or guided weapon is guided to its target using reflected energy from a designated source, typically a radar system.

The third party—often a military asset such as an aircraft, ship, or ground-based radar—illuminates the target, and the missile or weapon system detects this reflection to accurately navigate to the target. This process enhances accuracy as it combines the capabilities of the missile with the external guidance of an active illuminator, enabling effective targeting, even in complex environments.

In contrast, active homing systems are self-contained, meaning they carry their own radar or sensors to detect targets without external signals. Passive homing systems, on the other hand, rely on the detection of signals emitted by the target itself, such as heat or radio emissions. Manual homing systems require a human operator to guide them towards the target, lacking the automated aspects of the semi-active systems. This distinction highlights why the semi-active homing system is unique in its dependence on third-party transmissions.