Which warhead type is commonly found in the Sea Sparrow missile?

The Sea Sparrow missile is primarily equipped with a fragmentation (frag) warhead, which is designed to destroy or incapacitate aerial threats using a mix of explosive and fragment-producing components. When the warhead detonates, it releases a large number of small, high-velocity fragments that spread out over a wide area, increasing the likelihood of hitting and damaging small, fast-moving targets such as enemy aircraft or missiles. This type of warhead is particularly effective in combat scenarios where the speed and agility of the target necessitate a weapon that can deliver multiple points of impact concurrently. The fragmentation effect enhances the missile's lethality against such targets, making it suitable for its intended role in naval defense systems. This understanding of the operational purpose of the Sea Sparrow missile's warhead type is essential for fire controlmen tasked with missile systems.