Point-defence

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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 missiles. Point-defence weapons have a smaller range in contrast to area-defence systems and are placed near or on the object to protect.

Point-defence may include:

• short-ranged interceptor aircraft
• Close-in weapon systems on ships
• land-based short-ranged anti-aircraft guns or surface-to-air missile systems
• Active protection systems on tanks or other armoured fighting vehicles

Coastal artillery to protect harbours is similar conceptually, but is generally not classified as point-defence. Similarly, passive systems - electronic countermeasures, decoys, chaff, flares, barrage balloons - are not considered point-defence.

[edit] 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.