Which missile system is commonly used for air defense on ships?

• A. SM-2/SM-6 (Standard Missile family)
• B. Harpoon
• C. Exocet
• D. Tomahawk

Answer: (A)

Protecting a warship from airborne threats requires a missile system built specifically to detect and intercept fast-moving targets at sea. The Standard Missile family fits this role perfectly. These shipborne air-defense missiles are designed to work with ship radar and fire-control systems (like Aegis) to engage aircraft, drones, and missiles across multiple ranges. SM-2 provides solid mid-range coverage, while SM-6 adds extended range, higher speed, and advanced terminal guidance, delivering a versatile, layered defense that can handle a variety of aerial threats.

The other missiles are aimed at different missions: Harpoon and Exocet are anti-ship weapons intended to strike surface ships, not to defend the vessel from air threats. Tomahawk is a long-range land-attack cruise missile, not an air-defense interceptor. So, for ship air defense, the Standard Missile family is the appropriate and commonly used choice.