| Kinetic Energy Interceptor | |
|---|---|
 SM-3 (left) compared to Kinetic Energy Interceptor (right) | |
| Type | Mobile Ballistic Missile Defense System |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | Development canceled |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Missile Systems, Orbital, ATK |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 466 in (11.8 m) |
| Diameter | 40 in (1.0 m) |
| Engine | solid fuel rocket |
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) was a planned U.S. missile defense program whose goal was to design, develop, and deploy kinetic energy-based, mobile, ground and sea-launched missiles that could intercept and destroy enemy ballistic missiles during their boost, ascent and midcourse phases of flight.[1] The KEI consisted of the Interceptor Component (kinetic projectile), the Mobile Launcher Component, and the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) component.
On 7 May 2009, the KEI program was canceled due primarily to financial reasons.
- ^ "Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program" (PDF). Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-08.