JP 3-01 Countering Air and Missile Threats - Defense Innovation ...

Offensive Counterair Planning and Operations
enemy territory to protect other primary mission aircraft from enemy fighters en route to and
from a target area during offensive missions (i.e., for air interdiction, OCA attack, SEAD, an
airborne operation). Fighter escorts may protect airlift, AR, EW, C2, search and rescue, and
SOF aircraft from enemy fighters. Fighter escorts also may be used as a DCA mission, as in
the case of HVAA protection. Air planners, along with JFACC/JAOC intelligence staff,
must evaluate the threat posed by the adversary counterair forces and determine the type and
size of fighter escort force required, because the same air assets are usually shared for DCA
operations. The planners also must coordinate the support required by the escort force (i.e.,
AR, EW, C2).
b. Offensive Fighter Escorts. Joint air operations may require air-to-air capable
fighters to be used as escorts to protect friendly aircraft over enemy territory from attacks by
enemy fighters. After considering the mission requirements, the required capabilities of the
fighter escorts (i.e., speed, sophistication of weaponry, data links, guns) are determined by
the operational/tactical commanders responsible for air operations. Those air operations
packages also may be supported by specially equipped and trained SEAD assets when
surface AD threats are also a concern.
c. Defensive Fighter Escorts. Fighter escort missions may be planned as DCA
missions to protect HVAAs (i.e., AWACS, JSTARS, Rivet Joint, Compass Call, E-2C) from
potential enemy fighter attack over neutral or friendly territory.
d. Threats/Targets. The primary threats for fighter escorts include any enemy aircraft
with a capability to attack and disrupt/destroy the primary mission aircraft. Escort fighters
target only those airborne aircraft that threaten the primary mission. Fighter escorts in
conjunction with their supported aircraft must avoid the direct threat of enemy surface-based
ADs (unless the fighters are escorting a SEAD package). If SAM/AAA threats cannot be
avoided, the threat and risk to the primary mission and fighter escorts require SEAD support.
e. Resources. Dedicated air-to-air or multi-role fighters are best suited for the escort
mission. Escort missions are more effective when ground and airborne early warning or GCI
radar assets are available for situational awareness and threat warnings. Airborne C2 (battle
management) assets normally are required for rapidly synchronized/complex air operations.
The duration of the escort mission may require AR support for the escorts, even if the
primary mission or other support aircraft do not. IO support, apart from SEAD support, also
may be required to disrupt the effectiveness of enemy communications and information
systems that support their acquisition, tracking, and interception capabilities.
f. Execution. The specific responsibilities of the fighter escort force must be clear to all
participants. In direct support, their mission is to protect the primary mission force and not
necessarily attrite enemy aircraft. If the enemy chooses not to attack because a fighter
escort is present, then the objective of the fighter escort has been met. Conversely,
escort fighters must exercise caution against being drawn away from the escorted force by
diversion or decoys, thereby leaving that force vulnerable to other enemy aircraft.
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