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. 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 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.

Examples

• Bachem Ba 349 Natter - vertical take-off rocket powered manned interceptor (prototypes only)
• Messerschmitt Me 163 - WWII era German rocket powered interceptor.
• Goalkeeper CIWS - Gun CIWS in current service by the Dutch navy.
• 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