Diese Systeme wären zudem extrem teuer. Schwer einzuschätzende Staaten könnten besser mittels Prävention (durch Diplomatie und Exportkontrollen) und Abschreckung entgegnet werden.
Critics also claim that missile defense will not work against incoming warheads surrounded by decoys, that it will be terribly expensive and that rogue-state proliferation can be better addressed through prevention (using diplomacy and export controls) and deterrence.