DiscoverMission Matters PodcastHow Missile Defense Actually Works
How Missile Defense Actually Works

How Missile Defense Actually Works

Update: 2025-11-04
Share

Description

There’s a lot of buzz these days around missile defense, but not much discussion around how missile defense actually works. In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Matt and I sit down with Shield Capital Operating Partner and former Director of the Missile Defense Agency, Ltg. (ret.) Pat O’Reilly, to discuss the current state of missile defense.

We cover:

  • How missile defense actually works, breaking down a) the threats b) the kill chain and c) firing doctrine

  • How missile defense has changed over the last several decades

  • The role of startups and emerging technologies in the future of missile defense

  • The state of our adversaries’ missile and missile defense systems


As always, please let us know your thoughts, and please reach out if you or anyone you know is building in the national security domain.


Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

How Missile Defense Actually Works

How Missile Defense Actually Works

Shield Capital