Big Claims, Big Cost, for Surface-to-air Missile Systems

The ballistic missile threat is driving new developments.

The Patriot missile system has intercepted ballistic missiles in combat, but the success rate has been disputed in the absence of official unclassified statistics.

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

June 12, 2019

Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and rockets continue to proliferate. New cruise and supersonic missiles are being developed, and hypersonic missiles may be only a few years away. Stealth aircraft can now be found on three continents. There’s no doubt that medium- and long-range air defense systems are more important than ever, and plenty of them are being touted at the Paris Air Show. But how effective can they be, and at what cost?

There are plenty of assertions made for ground-based air defense systems. Most of these systems are mobile and dual-purpose, designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles at all altitudes, as well as tactical ballistic missiles. Some are point-defense systems, some claim area coverage. Either are often part of an integrated system that can be alerted by early warning radars.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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