target acquisition
Finding your mark
Target acquisition is the process of detecting, identifying, and locating something to be engaged or tracked.
In military contexts, it refers to finding and fixing on an enemy position or object before attacking: The drone completed target acquisition before the strike.
The term extends to radar systems, guided weapons, and any technology that must lock onto a specific object.
In broader use, it can describe identifying goals or prospects: Sales teams focus on target acquisition in new markets.
- scopeExtent or range
- radarRadio-wave object detection
- aimPurpose or direction
- missile guidanceDirecting weapons to targets
- spotMark or location
heads up display · fire control systems · pattern recognition · track · reconnaissance · friendly fire · thermal imaging · heat signature · marksmanship · electronic warfare · focus · machine vision · lock · zero · market analysis · lead generation · sight · signal processing
- Air Combatair strike, airstrikes, fighter pilot, bombing run, combat aircraft
- marksmanshipmarksmanship, dry firing, accuracy, aim, shooting technique
- military operationsoffensive, attack, marines, Desert Storm, NATO operations
- military tacticstactics, flanking, maneuver, ambush, battle formations
- naval gunnerynaval gun, cannons, gunnery drills, guns, naval guns
- shooting rangesshooting range, gun range, lanes, firing range, firing line
target acquisitiondisengagement
Withdrawal from involvement
stand-down · ceasefire · evasion · retreat · de-escalation