Discrimination is the key

US defence giant Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems is highlighting some of its capabilities against ballistic missiles here at IDEX, a clever strategy in a region that is becoming increasingly concerned over the threat posed by cruise missiles and ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets across the Gulf region – and beyond. These missiles are likely only to grow in capability, increasing their reach and payload.

A ballistic missile will typically carry both real warheads and a plethora of decoys designed to confuse a defender’s radar. Given that it may not be possible to engage every incoming object, distinguishing warheads from decoys and countermeasures is vitally important.

To achieve this, radar must be capable of accurate discrimination, picking out the warheads from a cluster of multiple objects before passing accurate targeting information to the interceptor.

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