The Network Centric Airborne Defense Element (NCADE) is a low-cost, small size, air-launched, anti-ballistic missile developed by Raytheon and Aerojet based on the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The NCADE is being designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in their ascent flight and at the boost phase as a near-term solution. NCADE and AMRAAM missiles share the aerodynamic design, aircraft interface and flight control system. These commonalities enable it to be carried and launched by a wide range of combat aircraft utilized by the United States Armed Forces. Potentially, the NCADE may be used by future unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

One of the key elements of the NCADE missile is its infrared seeker able to acquire and track a ballistic missiles in its boost phase. In early December 2007, the infrared seeker was successfully tested at White Sands Missile Range mounted on an AIM-9X air-to-air missile which intercepted a surrogate ballistic missile after being launched from an Air National Guard (ANG) F-16 aircraft.