Which military branch is primarily responsible for air and missile defense?

The U.S. Air Force is primarily responsible for air and missile defense due to its extensive focus on controlling and defending U.S. airspace. This branch operates advanced systems designed to detect, track, and intercept aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and incoming missiles. The Air Force integrates a variety of technologies and platforms, from fighter jets to ground-based radar systems, to ensure a comprehensive defense against aerial attacks.

Furthermore, the Air Force’s mission includes the development and deployment of specialized missile defense systems, crucial for protecting strategic assets and ensuring national security. These systems play a critical role in countering both ballistic and cruise missile threats. The Air Force collaborates with other branches, such as the Army, which also has ground-based missile defense capabilities, but it is the Air Force that serves as the primary command for aerial threat management and interception strategies.