Point-defence

Point-defence (or point-defense; see spelling differences) is the defence of a single object or a limited area, e.g. a ship, building or an airfield, now usually against air attacks and guided missiles. Point-defence weapons have a smaller range in contrast to area-defence systems and are placed near or on the object to be protected.

Point-defence may include:
 * short-ranged interceptor aircraft
 * Close-in weapon systems on ships
 * land-based short-ranged anti-aircraft guns or surface-to-air missile systems
 * Active protection systems on tanks or other armoured fighting vehicles

Coastal artillery to protect harbours is similar conceptually, but is generally not classified as point-defence. Similarly, passive systems - electronic countermeasures, decoys, chaff, flares, barrage balloons - are not considered point-defence.

Examples

 * Bachem Ba 349 Natter - vertical take-off rocket powered manned interceptor (prototypes only)
 * Messerschmitt Me 163 - WWII era German rocket powered interceptor.
 * Goalkeeper CIWS - Gun CIWS in current service by the Dutch navy.
 * Kashtan CIWS - Gun-Missile CIWS in current service by the Russian navy.
 * RIM-116 RAM - Missile CIWS in current use by the US Navy.
 * Type 730 - in current use by the Chinese Navy.
 * Arena APS - a Russian point defence system for individual armoured vehicles.
 * Metal Storm - Another point defence/CIWS system currently in development.