tr.euronews.com
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles: A Rising Threat?
The use of air-launched ballistic missiles by Israel has increased international interest in these weapons, prompting discussion on their advantages, vulnerabilities, and feasibility for other nations to develop.
Turkish
United States
TechnologyMiddle EastIsraelMilitaryGeopoliticsConflictDefense
Israel Defense Forces (Idf)Lockheed MartinRaytheonRoyal United Services Institute (Rusi)Middlebury International Studies Institute
Justin BronkJeffrey LewisUzi Rubin
- How vulnerable are ALBM to air defense systems?
- While not invulnerable, ALBM's flexible launch points from aircraft make them harder to defend against. Systems like the US Patriot PAC-3 have successfully intercepted similar missiles, highlighting the ongoing arms race.
- How feasible is it for other countries to acquire ALBM technology?
- Many countries, including the US and UK, experimented with ALBM during the Cold War, but currently only Israel, Russia, and China are known to possess them. The accessibility of component technologies makes ALBM development feasible for many nations.
- What prompted renewed interest in air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBM)?
- Israel's use of air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBM) in attacks on Iran has sparked interest from other countries considering acquiring such weapons. Most major powers prefer cruise missiles and glide bombs, but ALBM's speed and accuracy are attractive.
- What is the current status of ALBM development and deployment by major world powers?
- The US, having tested hypersonic ALBM but not securing funding, currently shows less interest due to its existing arsenal of cruise missiles and other long-range weapons. The focus of major powers may be shifting to hypersonic technologies and improved air-defense systems.
- What are the main advantages and disadvantages of ALBM compared to other missile systems?
- Air-launched ballistic missiles offer advantages over land-launched and air-launched cruise missiles, primarily their speed in penetrating air defense systems. Although accuracy was once a disadvantage, this has largely been overcome, according to experts.