In military terminology, a missile is a guided airborne ranged weapon capable of self-propelled flight. In general, a missile may refer to anything thrown or launched object at a target like a javelin or darts. Nowadays, it means, mostly, a self-propelled guided weapon system. Missiles are used in war to destroy military targets.

MBR Topol M at the Moscow parade rehearsal.

Missiles can carry explosives or other destructive loads. The loads a missile may carry are called a "payload". It is not always harmful to people.