Air and Missile Defense Systems Engineering

Chapter 3

Missile Defense Problem

3.1 Overview of the Missile Defense Problem

A missile defense system essentially has four functional requirements that combine to provide defense against an incoming missile. These elements require balancing and, as such, this presents the missile defense systems with engineering challenges. These elements are intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); detection and tracking; weapons control; and engagement. Ballistic missile defense is divided into three parts: boost, midcourse, and terminal intercept engagement phases. Cruise missile defense is typically divided into three components: area, self-, and point defense phases. Self-defense and point defense phases may utilize the same system components ...