Self Destruct Option for Missiles

Do modern ICBMs and cruise missiles have a self destruct option that can be utilized if fired at a wrong target?

If they do, how far can they work from?

Can an enemy somehow tap into a system like this and destroy the missile?

[edit on 23/6/04 by Hyperen]

Im not sure but I think ICBM's do hove some sort of self destruction and cruise missiles don't have self detonation.

No on-alert US ICBM's are equipped with self destruct systems.

However when tested (as is done a few times a year) they are retrofitted with destruct systems - which have been utilized from time to time. They are capable of destroying the missile anywhere in it's flight path - although it makes no sense to destruct after the missile after burnout of the engines.

Why don't they fit it on their on alert missiles?

Is there a threat someone else could use the system?

What's the point equipping a missile that you are going to fire at someone with a self destruct the targeting system on US ICBM's are 100% reliable.

Can anything be 100% reliable?

Let's say a country launched an ICBM because they had detected one coming for them or had had one hit them. The point is that you may get a 'phone call' telling you that the missile was fired by a terrorist group who had taken over some silos. Whether you believe this doesn't matter. You should have the option to stop your missile hitting it's target.

Why would missles have a self descturct option? It would be plain stupid, and a waste of money. If you launch a missle you dont change your mind right after. You did it for a reason.

i think this is the first time i actually agree with AD

Active missiles do not have a self destruct, you do not want to take the chance that the enemy could activate the destruct code. This was the reason to have bombers since they could be called back.

Originally posted by Hyperen
Can anything be 100% reliable?

Let's say a country launched an ICBM because they had detected one coming for them or had had one hit them. The point is that you may get a 'phone call' telling you that the missile was fired by a terrorist group who had taken over some silos. Whether you believe this doesn't matter. You should have the option to stop your missile hitting it's target.

The missiles themselves probably aren't 100% reliable - but the targeting and the decision to launch is. If more flexibility is desired, as another poster stated, bombers would be used.

The risk of an enemy tapping into the destruct system is far too great.

unless you destruct the missile while its in space then you have no other place to destroy it so might as well not have a destruction system.