Missile-defence performance depends on the geometry of the engagement. A weapon flying toward the defended ship broadly announces where it is going and creates a comparatively direct intercept problem. A crossing target forces the defender to launch early enough for both trajectories to meet inside the engagement basket. The interceptor has to reach that point in time, either through an earlier launch at greater distance or sufficient speed to catch the target. Failure to intercept in one geometry therefore does not establish that a missile approaching the defended ship cannot be stopped.
Notable Point · 40:48-42:09
Missile-defence geometry changes the intercept problem
An incoming missile aimed at the defended ship can be easier to intercept than a fast target crossing the defender's field of fire.