A faster incoming weapon leaves less time to stop an attack, so even point defence needs greater reach. In the example here, an incoming missile at Mach 7 and an interceptor at Mach 3 close at ten times the speed of sound. Destroying the attacker too near the ship still risks damage from debris continuing toward it. Multiple incoming targets strengthen the case for engaging early. Dispersed task groups also give individual ships larger areas to protect, increasing the reach required of their defensive weapons.
Notable Point · 22:48-24:08
Why defensive interceptions must move farther from the ship
Faster incoming weapons and wider fleet spacing push even local defensive engagements farther outward.