The SM-3 missiles are part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system.

CNN: Obama scraps Bush-era missile defense for new plan

These dual independent sensors will enhance early warning of missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expand our technical intelligence gathering capability, and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.

ENGADGET: First piece of SBIRS missile defense system launched, not shot down

Moreover, because protecting America's entire civilian electronic infrastructure is not fiscally feasible and because a ballistic missile is the most likely delivery vehicle for an EMP attack, the most prudent method to protect America is a missile defense system that could destroy a ballistic missile before it reaches U.S. airspace.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Old threat with a new face

The way to achieve this is through the construction of an effective system of ballistic missile defense.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

But Putin was less successful in convincing South Korea that U.S. plans to build a missile defense system violates the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

CNN: Asian nations split over U.S. missile defense plans

Mr. Gore, like Mr. Clinton, favors negotiating with the Russians to change the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and make way for the more limited missile defense system.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Defining Issue: Bush Speech Offers Stark Alternative on Missile Defense, Nuclear Deterrence

In a report published by The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Rubin, who has been awarded the Israel Defense Prize and oversaw the development of Israel's Arrow missile defense system, concludes that Iran today has the capacity to develop solid-fuel-based intermediate ballistic missiles with a range of 3, 600 kilometers.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Time's up on Iran