The grand plans [ballistic missile defense]

The United States plans to use a layered approach to protect its forces and allies against short-range ballistic missiles, which have ranges less than 3500 km. Area defenses such as the land-based Theater High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) and the sea-based upper-tier defenses will cover broad areas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE spectrum 1997-09, Vol.34 (9), p.28-39
Main Author: Mosher, D.E.
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemical analysis
Chemical lasers
Defense spending
Financial management
Force control
Laser radar
Military policy
Missiles
Nuclear weapons
Optical control
Protection
R&D
Research & development
Rockets
Space weapons
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Summary:The United States plans to use a layered approach to protect its forces and allies against short-range ballistic missiles, which have ranges less than 3500 km. Area defenses such as the land-based Theater High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) and the sea-based upper-tier defenses will cover broad areas. Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 and the sea-based lower-tier defenses will be a backup for targets missed by the upper tier and protect high-value targets such as airfields, ports, headquarters, and population centers. The Airborne Laser will aim to destroy missiles during the boost phase, when their rocket motors are burning and before they can deploy warheads, decoys, or submunitions. A theater battle management system will coordinate the system's many components.
ISSN:0018-9235
1939-9340
DOI:10.1109/6.619378