Knowra Air superiority Air superiority Air superiority is a degree of control over the air that lets friendly forces operate without prohibitive enemy interference. It is limited by place and time, and need not mean eliminating all enemy aircraft or defenses.
Air combat : Combat between aircraft, or between aircraft and other forces, conducted in or through the air. Fighter engagements can reduce an opponent’s ability to contest the air.
Close air support : Air action against hostile forces near friendly forces, coordinated with those forces to avoid fratricide. Reliable air control makes responsive support near ground troops less vulnerable to enemy aircraft.
Air supremacy : A level of air control in which opposing air forces are unable to interfere effectively with friendly operations. Supremacy is more complete than superiority, which permits some enemy interference.
Battle of Britain : The 1940 air campaign in which Britain resisted German attempts to gain control of the skies over southern England. The campaign demonstrated that a defender could deny an attacker the air control needed for invasion.
Integrated air defense system : A coordinated network of sensors, command systems, and weapons designed to detect and engage aerial threats. Networked defenses can challenge aircraft even after an opponent’s fighters have been weakened.
Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses : Military actions that neutralize or degrade enemy air-defense systems so aircraft can operate more safely. Attacking radar, command systems, and missile sites can open routes for friendly aircraft.
Air interdiction : Air operations intended to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy enemy forces before they can engage friendly forces. Control of the air helps aircraft attack enemy movement beyond the immediate battle area.
Air parity : A condition in which opposing forces have comparable ability to use or contest the air. Parity describes a balance that falls short of assured freedom of action.
Operation Desert Storm : The 1991 United States-led military campaign to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Coalition air operations rapidly established control that enabled attacks across Iraq and Kuwait.
Surface-to-air missile : A guided missile launched from the ground or a ship to destroy aircraft or other aerial targets. Long-range missiles can restrict air operations without requiring an opposing air force to win fighter engagements.
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