Missile carrier having launched first (5)

I believe the answer is:

arrow

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'missile' is the definition.
(arrow is a kind of missile)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for arrow that I've seen before include "Missile with a straight thin shaft" , "Archer's missile" , "It may indicate" , "Missile of the archer" , "Pointed projectile" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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