Why America's missile defense systems are the best in the world

The Army's PAC-3 segment is an upgrade to the proven Patriot missile defense system. Patriot is able to engage aircraft, drones, short-range ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles. 

The Patriot system is designed to fire various missile interceptors to counter different threats. Like THAAD interceptors, PAC-3 missiles do carry warheads and instead use "hit to kill" contact to obliterate targets.

The following infographic from Lockheed Martin shows the Patriot system. 

Used in conjunction with THAAD, these systems form a multi-tier theater defense. 

Currently, the US has committed to field Patriot through 2048. 

Source: Missile Defense Agency

Adding to the layered tier of missile defense capabilities, is the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System.

There are currently 84 US Navy ships equipped with Aegis, which is the world's only maritime ballistic missile defense system. 

Similar to THAAD and Patriot systems, Aegis uses "body-to-body" contact to obliterate targets.

Aegis-equipped Navy vessels are also able to detect, track and intercept short and medium-range ballistic missiles.

Source: Missile Defense Agency