The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is a surface-to-air missile designed primarily for naval defense. Developed in the 1960s, it is used to protect ships from anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The missile is guided by a semi-active radar homing system, which means it relies on radar signals from the launching ship to track its target. The Sea Sparrow is typically launched from vertical launch systems or canister launchers on various naval vessels, including those of the United States Navy. It has been widely adopted by several countries and is often integrated with advanced radar systems for enhanced targeting capabilities.