Antiballistic missile

Antiballistic missile (ABM) is a type of missile designed to counter ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are used to deliver nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads in a ballistic flight trajectory. The term "antiballistic missile" describes any missile system designed to destroy or deflect ballistic missiles.

History

The concept of antiballistic missile systems dates back to the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union both developed ABM systems in an effort to protect against potential nuclear attacks. The U.S. developed the Safeguard Program, while the Soviet Union developed the A-35 and A-135 systems.

Design and Function

An antiballistic missile is designed to detect, track, intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. This is achieved through a combination of radar systems for detection and tracking, and missile interceptors for destroying the incoming missile. The interceptor missile is launched towards the incoming missile, and uses either a warhead to destroy it, or a kinetic kill vehicle to collide with it and destroy it through kinetic energy.

Types of ABM Systems

There are several types of ABM systems, including ground-based interceptors (GBIs), naval-based interceptors, and space-based interceptors. GBIs are launched from the ground, naval-based interceptors are launched from ships, and space-based interceptors are launched from satellites in space.

Controversy and Treaty Limitations

The development and deployment of ABM systems has been a source of controversy and has been limited by international treaties. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 between the United States and the Soviet Union limited the number and type of ABM systems that each country could deploy. However, the U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2002.

See Also

• Missile defense
• Strategic Defense Initiative
• Ballistic Missile Defense Organization