Theater missile defenses: Lessons from British experiences with air and missile defenses

Abstract

Abstract British experience with defenses against German air and missile attacks offers a helpful historical perspective on the current debate on defenses against theater ballistic missiles. This article analyzes the policy debate on air defense in Britain during World War I, the interwar years, and World War II. The British consistently responded to the challenge of German air and missile attacks by developing effective active and passive defenses. Although they successfully neutralized the V‐1 cruise missile attacks, the British could mount no active defenses against the V‐2 ballistic missile. However, the gulf war experience with Patriot intercepts demonstrates that ballistic missile defense is feasible. Critics of Patriot and missile defense draw on many of the same arguments as British opponents of air defense efforts in the interwar years.