ABSTRACT
The Vladivostok Agreement places specific limits on the number of delivery systems each side may maintain and on the number of missiles within the total delivery capability that may contain multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles. Main US emphasis has therefore been placed on research and development into anti-ballistic missile technology with the aim of improving existing systems and seeking new concepts for ballistic missile interception and destruction. The Soviets are developing two new ABM missiles; the first is designed to intercept incoming inter-Continental ballistic missiles at long range before re-entry into the atmosphere and attack them with nuclear warheads. The second missile interceptor is designed for close range attack on warheads which have penetrated into the atmosphere and evaded the long-range interceptors. Improved technology for missile interception, using infra-red and/or laser sensors to provide terminal homing in the final phases of intercept, are being developed.
