Antimissile missiles, also known as anti-ballistic missiles or ABMs, are used to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. Several other terms are used to describe these kind of missiles, including missile defense systems, missile interceptors, and defensive missiles. These synonyms all refer to the same type of weapon system designed to protect against missile attacks. The use of ABMs has become increasingly important in today's geopolitical climate, as more countries develop ballistic missile capabilities. The United States, Russia, China, Israel, and India are among the countries that have developed and deployed antimissile missile systems to protect their citizens and military interests against potential missile threats.