Counterair

Definition

Counterair is a military term referring to all measures implemented to attain and maintain a level of control of the airspace which prevents adversarial impacts on one’s operations. This comprises both offensive and defensive measures. Offensive counterair activities aim to suppress enemy air defense, while defensive counterair ensures the protection of friendly airspace and assets.

Key Takeaways

1. Counterair is a military operational term that refers to all operations executed to attain and maintain a degree of air superiority by the destruction, detection, or disruption of enemy forces both in the air and on the ground.
2. This operation is strategic in nature and includes both offensive and defensive measures. Offensive counterair (OCA) operations aim to destroy, disrupt, or limit enemy air power as close to its source as possible. On the other hand, defensive counterair (DCA) operations entail all actions taken to detect, identify, intercept, and destroy or negate enemy forces attempting to attack or penetrate friendly airspace.
3. Counterair operations are integral to the success of conventional campaigns because they protect friendly forces, provide freedom of action, and deny the enemy the same advantages. They are typically executed by specialized aircraft such as fighters, ground-attack aircraft, bombers, and attack helicopters, along with ground-based air defense systems.

Importance

Counterair is a critical military operations term referring to measures taken to attain and sustain air superiority by neutralizing or destroying enemy aircrafts, missile systems, launch platforms and their supporting structures and systems both in the air and on the ground.

It carries significant importance as it fundamentally supports the broader objective of protecting friendly forces and vital installations from enemy air attacks, facilitating freedom of action and movement and maintaining the operations tempo.

A successful Counterair strategy can directly impact the outcome of battles and wars, emphasizing its immense importance in military operations.

Explanation

Counterair is a crucial element in military operations aimed at gaining control and supremacy of the aerial warfare environment. The central purpose of Counterair operations is to inhibit or neutralize any potential threat or actual enemy actions in the air before they may cause harm to friendly ground, naval, or airborne forces.

Achieving air superiority is pivotal to the defense strategy because it allows friendly forces to operate unhindered, while constraining enemy forces’ ability to launch effective offensives. These operations are employed using a strategic, operational, and tactical approach.

Strategically, Counterair operations can target the enemy’s air force infrastructure, such as airfields, command and control centers, and aircraft factories, essentially dismantling or significantly disrupting their ability to mount air offensives. Operationally and tactically Counterair actions directly engage with enemy aircraft in the airspace, utilizing fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, and other air defenses in a reactive or proactive manner.

Overall, Counterair operations serve as a necessary measure to maintain the balance of air power, protect friendly forces, and enable successful mission accomplishments.

Examples of Counterair

Operation Mole Cricket 19 (1982): This was a military operation by the Israeli Air Force during the 1982 Lebanon War aimed at destroying Syria’s surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Using advanced electronic warfare tactics, the Israeli forces decimated the Syrian air defense arrays, gaining complete air superiority. This operation is considered an example of a successful defensive counterair operation as it aimed to neutralize the enemy’s air defense system.

Battle of Britain (1940): During World War II, the German Luftwaffe attempted to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force of the UK in preparation for a planned sea and air invasion. The British defended against the German air attacks in one of the earliest examples of a comprehensive counterair operation, successfully deterring the Germans from achieving their objective.

Operation Linebacker II (1972): This U.S. Air Force operation during the Vietnam War involved strategic bombing of North Vietnam. It aimed at destroying the Vietnamese air defense systems and airfields to restrict their abilities to launch any air attacks or support ground operations. The extensive bombing campaign significantly neutralized the threat from the Vietnamese Air Force, marking it as a successful offensive counterair operation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Counterair Operations

What are Counterair Operations?

Counterair operations are defensive and offensive operations that aim to attain and maintain a desired degree of air superiority. They aim to destroy, neutralize or reduce the enemy’s air and missile threats.

What are the types of Counterair Operations?

There are typically three types of counterair operations: offensive counterair (OCA), defensive counterair (DCA), and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).

What is the goal of Offensive Counterair Operations?

The goal of Offensive Counterair Operations (OCA) is to destroy, degrade, or disrupt enemy air threats both in the air and on the ground, as close to their source as possible.

What is the role of Defensive Counterair Operations?

Defensive Counterair Operations (DCA) aim to detect, identify, intercept, and destroy or negate enemy air and missile threats attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace.

What do Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses entail?

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) involves actions taken to prevent or reduce the enemy’s ability to engage friendly aircraft with air defense artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and other defensive weapons systems.

What are some tactics used in Counterair Operations?

Some tactics used in Counterair Operations include air to air combat, surface-to-air engagements, electronic warfare, and use of decoys and diversionary tactics.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Interceptor Aircraft
• Air Defense Artillery
• Combat Air Patrol
• Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)
• Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

Sources for More Information

• United States Air Force Official Website: This is the official website of the United States Air Force, where you can find detailed information about operating in the counterair domain.
• United States Army Official Website: The U.S. Army’s official website often includes comprehensive articles and analysis about various military operations, including counterair.
• Global Security: This independent source provides well-researched information about military operations across the world, including counterair operations.
• RAND Corporation: RAND is a global think tank that offers in-depth research and analysis on counterair operations, among other military matters.