- TMD redirects here. This article is about the mechanic and unit classification. For the defensive structure, see T2 tactical missile defense.
| Tactical missile defenses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech 2 Tactical Missile Defense |     | |||
| Tech 2 Cruiser |     | |||
| Tech 3 Battleship |     | |||
| Tech 3 Navy (Other) |    | |||
| Tech 3 Siege Assault Bot |  | |||
A tactical missile defense unit, commonly abbreviated TMD, is a unit with a system that is capable of stopping an incoming tactical missile by various means. TMD systems are mounted on various units and structures.
Examples[]
Every faction has a structure that provides this defense. Additionally some units, particularly high Tech level naval ones such as cruisers and battleships, feature on-board tactical missile defense systems. The shipboard systems have a range of 50, while the land based structures' ranges are 30.
The Cybran Loyalist actually deflects missiles back at the launcher, and is the only mobile land-based TMD platform.
Usage[]
TMD is important because tactical missiles, both TML and MML, deal long ranged damage and it is usually difficult to retaliate against them to quickly remove the threat. TMD systems protect key structures from being sniped and buys the friendly commander time to react to the situation. As TMDs are relatively inexpensive compared to losing a T2 structure, but do cost more than a single missile (180 mass), and at 280 mass the TMD would pay off if they can shoot multiple down. For example, an extractor, factory or power generator costs around 1000 mass, and the TMD structure is cheaper than rebuilding their wrecks.
If your opponent is UEF or Seraphim then TMD becomes even more important. This is because their ACUs can be upgraded with a portable launcher, and on naval maps both UEF and Seraphim cruisers boast long range, rapid fire tactical missile launchers.
TMD tends to become less important with Shields which can also stop missiles, as well as bomber or arty attacks, and have wider coverage.
Note that tactical missile defense units have no effect on strategic missiles (ie, nukes). For this purpose a T3 strategic missile defense (antinuke) is required.
Factional differences[]
Cybran, UEF and Seraphim TMD all use direct fire in shooting down tactical missiles. When playing as the UEF, Seraphim, or Cybran, it is often necessary to build multiple TMD as a single TMD is usually ineffective at defending a position from tactical missiles. The direct fire is much more effective when multiple tmd's are built. Cybran have the most efficient TMD of the direct fire TMD due to the instant hit nature of the laser, unlike the Seraphim and UEF TMD, which launch projectiles at the same tactical missile. The Seraphim TMD naturally turn 50% faster than its UEF counterpart, but it also fires half as fast.
Aeon TMD differs from the other factions in that it doesn't actually target missiles, instead a bubble will launch out of the TMD and attract multiple missiles like a decoy flare, though it has a slow rate of fire.