How does missile defense work?
The Ballistic Missile Defense System being developed and tested by MDA consists primarily of hit-to-kill interceptors. These interceptors directly hit the incoming missile inside the earths atmosphere or while the hostile missile is in space by ramming the warhead at a very high closing speed to destroy the target using only kinetic energy. It has been described as hitting a bullet with a bullet – a capability that has been successfully demonstrated in test after test. Another defense approach is used by the Airborne Laser, which uses directed energy to destroy its target. Every aspect of the System is tied into a network of radars and sensors to obtain information on missile launches and to track, discriminate, and target an incoming warhead.
