The Navy and Missile Defense Agency are studying options for defending ships against short-range ballistic missiles, including a new, unorthodox alternative -- equipping fighter aircraft with interceptors like the most advanced version of the Patriot, according to Navy documents and sources. A working group chartered to examine the requirement is eyeing a range of options for developing and fielding, as soon as 2010, a "sea-based terminal" missile defense similar in concept to a program canceled in 2001. The options include...
