Laser Radar in Ballistic Missile Defense

gainst many ballistic missile types, radar and passive infrared sensors can identify the warhead and guide the interceptor to an effective impact. However, new ballistic missiles that deploy countermeasures such as decoys, jammers, chaff, and flares pose a significant challenge for these two sensors. One possible solution is to introduce laser radar (ladar) among the sensors for Ballistic Missile Defense. This article presents the physical advantages and limitations of ladar, its potential role as part of a seeker, the data it can provide, and techniques for identifying the warhead.