Which element is crucial for the AGM-65's accuracy in targeting?

The AGM-65 Maverick missile relies significantly on infrared homing to achieve accuracy in targeting. Infrared homing utilizes the heat emitted by the target, allowing the missile to home in on and differentiate between warm targets, such as vehicles or installations, against their cooler backgrounds. This guidance system enhances the missile's precision, particularly in close air support missions where striking a specific target with minimal collateral damage is essential.

While GPS navigation can also play a role in some munitions by providing a general location, it does not afford the same level of specific, real-time targeting adjustment that infrared homing does. Radar guidance, although effective for different types of weapons, is not used in the AGM-65. A barometric altimeter, while it can assist in altitude determination, is not central to the weapon's guidance and targeting capabilities. The key advantage of infrared homing lies in its ability to actively seek out and lock onto heat signatures, making it the critical element for the AGM-65’s targeting accuracy.