Missile Defense

Missile defense is a system, weapon, or technology involved in the detection, tracking, interception and destruction of attacking missiles. Originally conceived as a defence against nuclear-armed Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), its application has broadened to include shorter-ranged non-nuclear tactical and theater missiles.

The interception technology used has varied over time. In the 1960s, missile defense against ICBMs emphasized nuclear warheads. In recent decades non-nuclear kinetic warheads have been used. Directed-energy weapons such as lasers have been investigated and deployed on a limited basis.

The United States, Russia, France, India and Israel have all developed such air defense systems. In the United States, missile defense was originally the responsibility of the Army. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has developed maritime systems and command and control that will eventually be transferred to the Navy and Air force for operation and sustainment.

Read more about Missile Defense:  Missile Defense Categories, History, Defense Systems and Initiatives

Famous quotes containing the words missile and/or defense:

    ... the truth is the hardest missile one can be pelted with.
    George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)

    There’s no telling what might have happened to our defense budget if Saddam Hussein hadn’t invaded Kuwait that August and set everyone gearing up for World War IIĀ½. Can we count on Saddam Hussein to come along every year and resolve our defense-policy debates? Given the history of the Middle East, it’s possible.
    —P.J. (Patrick Jake)