warheads
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈwɔɹˌhɛdz// UK //wˈɔːhɛdz// war·heads
n. the front part of a missile or rocket that carries the explosives. It is the part that causes the damage when the weapon hits its target.
n. the explosive section of a missile, rocket, or torpedo, containing the payload and detonator. Often used in the context of nuclear or chemical weaponry.
The missile was fitted with multiple warheads.
International treaties often focus on limiting the number of nuclear warheads each country is allowed to possess.
The decommissioned missiles were stripped of their warheads and guidance systems before being transported to the secure storage facility for permanent disposal.
Usage
Usually refers to the explosive payload specifically, rather than the entire delivery vehicle.