MERV = MIRV.
We could have dropped MERV Griffin on ‘em when we had the chance
“MERV = MIRV.”
The acronym has evolved a few times. You’re not wrong as yours is one of them. The original was MRV, multiple reentry vehicle payload for a ballistic missile which deploys multiple warheads. The targeting part of the program is what Clinton gave to the Chinese through Loral and Hughes in the 90’s and “settled” to escape civil penalties.
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/06/world/2-companies-pay-penalties-for-improving-china-rockets.html
rwood