DoD – Defense Department leaders, including Undersecretary of Defense for Policy John C. Rood and Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; appeared before a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s strategic forces subcommittee to discuss the nation’s missile defense policies and programs.
Missile defense involves detecting, tracking, intercepting and destroying enemy missiles. The Unites States uses three types of missile defense, often referred to as a layered defense posture.
- Tactical, short-range tactical ballistic missiles with a range of about 50 miles.
- Theater medium-range missiles that range up to about 200 miles.
- Strategic, long-range, intercontinental ballistic missiles that can travel wherever needed on Earth.
