ESSM is designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles.

To counter radar-guided missiles, chaff is used.

US Navy doctrine stressed long-range air cover to counter both high-speed aircraft and missiles, and development of newer short range defenses had been largely ignored.

A more advanced version would be deployed in 2018 and yet another generation in 2020, the latter with more capacity to counter intercontinental missiles.

For defense, the Skylark has chaff and flare dispensers to counter radar-seeking and heat-seeking missiles, respectively.

These systems would be "bolted on" to the American system, which is designed to counter long-range missiles, in particular a potential threat from Iran, alliance officials said.

The term "anti-ballistic missile" describes any antimissile system designed to counter ballistic missiles.

However, the term is used more commonly for systems designed to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Russia still fears that the administration plan, which is intended to counter intercontinental-range missiles, would give the United States a strategic advantage.

Taiwan seeks the Aegis system to counter Chinese missiles aimed at the island from the mainland.