What type of defense is focused on a limited area, typically to protect vital elements of forces and installations?

Point defense is a type of defense strategy specifically designed to protect a limited area or critical assets, such as military installations, command centers, or vital equipment. This approach allows for concentrated resources and measures to safeguard these key elements from localized threats, such as incoming missiles or enemy forces. By maintaining a focused layer of defense, point defense systems can employ various means, such as missile interceptors, anti-aircraft weapons, and other protective measures to ensure the integrity and security of their assigned area.

In contrast, area defense encompasses a broader concept, providing a protective umbrella over larger geographic regions and is aimed at countering threats to a wider range of assets. Similarly, strategic defense refers to a comprehensive plan aimed at safeguarding a nation or large units from wide-ranging threats, while mobile defense emphasizes flexibility and the ability to maneuver in response to enemy movements. Each of these alternatives expands the scope of defense beyond the concentrated efforts characteristic of point defense, thus highlighting the unique role point defense plays in military strategy.