diff --git a/src/lib/commands/laun.c b/src/lib/commands/laun.c
index 62b3b5b6..932b4bd1 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/laun.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/laun.c
@@ -276,6 +276,7 @@ launch_missile(struct plnstr *pp)
 		       target_ship.shp_x, target_ship.shp_y,
 		       target_ship.shp_own, &sublaunch) < 0)
 	    return RET_OK;
+	getship(n, &target_ship);
 	if (!msl_hit(pp, shp_hardtarget(&target_ship), EF_SHIP,
 		     N_SHP_MISS, N_SHP_SMISS, sublaunch,
 		     target_ship.shp_own)) {