Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System - Definition and Overview

The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System is a US Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency program to develop a "rudimentary" missile defense sytem, covering the US, by 2005. It builds upon the Aegis combat system. A SM-3 missile with Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) Kinetic Warhead (KW) is developed.

Three tests, conducted in 2002, were considered successful; a June 19, 2003 test (conducted in the Pacific, using an SM-3) was considered to be a failure.

Compare to a similar program, the Army, land based THAAD system

See also

• Aegis
• Aegis combat system
• Aegis cruiser

Hemispheric Missile Defense Systems

• Strategic Defence Initiative

Continental Missile Defense Systems

• National Missile Defense

Theatre Missile Defense Systems

• Arrow missile

Battlefield Missile Defense Systems

• Patriot missile