1. A method for guiding an intercepting missile to a body-to-body contact with an airborne target in the atmosphere, the method comprising the steps of: (a) guiding the intercepting missile to within an appropriate distance from the airborne target; (b) illuminating the airborne target, using an illuminator carried by the intercepting missile; (c) acquiring an image of said illuminated airborne target and, (d) steering said missile in accordance with an aimpoint on said image. ( ) The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of: (e) launching said intercepting missile from a launcher selected from the group consisting of an aircraft launcher, a sea vehicle launcher and a ground stationed launcher.