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, now usually against air attacks and guided missiles.[1] Point-defence weapons have a smaller range in contrast to area-defence systems and are placed near or on the object to be protected.

Point-defence may include:

• short-ranged interceptor aircraft
• Close-in weapon systems on ship
• 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.

Examples

• Bachem Ba 349 Natter – vertical take-off rocket powered manned interceptor (prototypes only)
• Messerschmitt Me 163 – World War II era German rocket powered interceptor.
• Goalkeeper CIWS – Gun CIWS in current service by the Dutch navy.
• Phalanx CIWS – 20 mm Vulcan cannon mounted on a swivelling base. Notably used on almost all major surface combatants of the US Navy.[2]
• Kashtan CIWS – Gun-Missile CIWS in current service by the Russian navy.
• RIM-116 RAM – Missile CIWS in current use by the US Navy.
• Type 730 – in current use by the Chinese Navy.
• Arena APS – a Russian point defence system for individual armoured vehicles.

See also

• Zero length launch

References

1. Aldridge, Robert C. (1983). First Strike!: The Pentagon's Strategy for Nuclear War. South End Press. p. 192. ISBN 978-0-89608-154-3.
2. NAVY PEO (SHIPS) WASHINGTON NAVY YARD DC (2013-12-01). "LPD 17 San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD 17)". Fort Belvoir, VA. doi:10.21236/ada614841. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)