A Study on Optimal Weapon Assignment Plans in Weapon Data Link using a Phase-type Distribution : Focusing on Cruise Missiles

Cruise missiles are key weapons used for suppressing enemy air defense systems and striking critical targets. As advancements in missile technology have led to increased costs, it is crucial to develop efficient usage plans. Modern missiles can be equipped with weapon data link capabilities, which include technologies such as weapon loitering, target reassignment, and weapon impact indicators. This study proposes a weapon assignment model within this technological framework to derive efficient firing plans.<br/> The model applies a static Weapon-Target Assignment approach, defining the probabilistic survival status of each target after each shot as states and constructing a transition matrix that incorporates the characteristics of a phase-type distribution. By utilizing the properties of the phase-type distribution, the model optimizes the number of missiles assigned to each target based on its specific situation. This enables the calculation of the required number of shots and missiles to destroy all targets and provides situation-specific weapon assignment strategies.