In this paper, an innovative strategy for guidance and control of a flying vehicle involved in target interception is proposed, utilizing an Adaptive Higher-Order Continuous Sliding Mode Controller (HOSMC) for a three-dimensional system. This approach optimizes the system’s accuracy and performance through the integration of the guidance and control subsystems, while also reducing design costs. The paper introduces three types of higher-order sliding mode controllers: quasi-continuous,(QSMC) continuous(HOSMC) , and advanced adaptive continuous (ACHOSMC), each designed to address specific challenges in target interception. The key innovation of the proposed method lies in the advanced adaptive continuous controller, which dynamically adjusts two critical parameters in real-time. This ability allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and dynamic target behaviors. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed controller outperforms traditional PID controllers, leading to increased missile range and reduced interception time. Additionally, the method enhances mission success by optimizing the missile trajectory, improving energy efficiency, and reducing fuel consumption. The simulation results effectively showcase the proposed controller’s robustness against external disturbances and varying conditions. This paper highlights the significance of this method in both military and civilian air systems, where precision, adaptability, and reliability are vital. The proposed controller has great potential for wide application in various air defense missions, particularly those involving dynamic, high-speed targets, where precision and rapid response are critical.