Why are MDA development activities divided into boost, midcourse and terminal segments?
All ballistic missiles share a fundamental characteristic- they follow a trajectory that includes three flight phases – boost, midcourse and terminal. By fielding a layered defense system and attacking the missile in all phases of flight, we exploit opportunities that increase the advantage of missile defense systems and complicate an aggressor’s plans. There are advantages and challenges in each of the flight phases. A capability to intercept a missile in the boost phase can destroy a missile regardless of its range or intended aim-point and provide a global coverage capability. A midcourse intercept capability can provide wide coverage of a region or regions, while a terminal defense reduces the protection coverage to a localized area.
