The United States is setting up a system to warn of a missile launch. This requires an interoperable communications network. Active defense means intercepting and destroying missiles. Israel has the Arrow. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have the Patriot.
Passive defense includes the provision of protective gear and medical stockpiles.
It also entails making sure that armed forces are prepared to work in a contaminated environment, and determining how a contaminated environment would be cleaned up. US and regional medical experts have been meeting to discuss the problems associated with an attack by a weapon of mass destruction. Consequence management happens once a weapon explodes or an accident occurs. The Pentagon has already been helping to train first responders in 120 US cities how to recognize what is happening and what to do. Clearly then the United States is developing a vast military and intelligence infrastructure in the Middle East as an integral part of its global strategy.