Aegis Ashore or Patriot batteries for missile defence

Should the United States build Aegis Ashore missile-defence sites at home and at major overseas bases?

It could, but additional Patriot batteries may be cheaper and more flexible, while long-range radar remains useful for national coverage.

Fixed Aegis Ashore sites are one option for defending the United States and major bases against missiles. More Patriot batteries may offer a cheaper and more flexible way to distribute defence. The answer still favors long-range radar coverage as a sensible national warning and tracking layer. The watch point separates mobile interceptors from the persistent sensors that support a wider defensive network.