- Point-defence
Point-defence (or point-defense; see spelling differences) is the defence of a single object or a limited area, e.g. a ship, building or an airfield, usually against air attacks and
guided missile s. Point-defence weapons have a smaller range in contrast toarea-defence systems and are placed near or on the object to protect.Point-defence may include:
* short-rangedinterceptor aircraft
*Close-in weapon system s on ships
* land-based short-rangedanti-aircraft guns orsurface-to-air missile systems
*Active protection system s on tanks or other armoured fighting vehiclesCoastal artillery to protect harbours is similar conceptually, but is generally not classified as point-defence. Similarly, passive systems -electronic countermeasures , decoys, chaff, flares,barrage balloon s - are not considered point-defence.Examples
* Mk. 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) - in current use by the US Navy.
* 9K311 Tor M1 missile system - in current use by the Russian Navy.
*Type 730 - in current use by the Chinese Navy.
* TROPHY APS - a point defence system for individual armoured vehicles.
*Metal Storm - Another point defence/CIWS system currently in development.
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