The Role of Airpower in Active Missile Defense

摘要

Many potential adversaries are pursuing precision accuracy in the delivery systems of ballistic missiles. Using combat aircraft to compete head to head with the United States is not a viable option for most opponents, but a ballistic missile provides them an alternative delivery system that could penetrate defenses. We contend that ALHK can defeat IRBM threats in a cost-effective manner. Although we have addressed only IRBM threats, other analysis has shown thatrnALHK could engage most other ballistic missile threats as well.