Interest in missile defense systems, originally called "anti-ballistic missile (ABM)" systems, began even before Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) were deployed. The German V -2 short-range ballistic missile, launched against London and Antwerp by the Germans in the last year of World War II, made it clear that long-range missiles were a potential threat. The threat became tangible as the technology became available to develop long-range missiles with accurate guidance systems and nuclear warheads. There was a logical desire to develop weapons to intercept these missiles ("A History ofMissile Defense"). With the threat ofwar on the Korean Peninsula, maintaining and improving the United States Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Defense System is necessary in order to counter-balance North Korea's.

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