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

Defense Counterair Planning and Operations
higher echelon monitors unit actions, making direct target assignments to units only when
necessary to ensure proper fire distribution or to prevent engagement of friendly aircraft.
3. Defensive Counterair Assets
a. DCA operations employ a mix of weapon, sensor, communications, and C2 systems
integrated from all components into an IADS to protect friendly forces, assets, population
centers, and interests from air and missile threats.
b. The integration of AMD systems provides efficient control and exchange of
information to all DCA forces. Assets used in conducting DCA operations normally include
air-to-air capable fixed-wing aircraft; SAMs; AAA; surface-, air-, and space-based sensors;
EW systems; and C2 systems; all networked into an IADS using a redundant and flexible C2
architecture with interoperable data links, voice command circuits, and common displays. If
OCA is not possible before threat aircraft or missiles are launched, and because DCA is by
nature reactive, the enemy may gain the early initiative; the IADS must be flexible enough to
respond to the most challenging threats.
c. BMD Assets. BMD systems provide lower-and-upper tier intercept capabilities to
counter BMs of all ranges. The objective of BMD is an integrated, “layered” architecture
that provides multiple opportunities to destroy missiles and their warheads before they can
reach their targets.
d. Land-based and sea-based AMD forces possess the following type of SAM
capabilities:
(1) ARFOR ADA battalions are task organized under ADA BDEs to protect JFC
and/or ARFOR critical assets. AMD forces have short-range and medium- to high-altitude
AD capabilities. They normally are configured with two-four missile battalions (high-tomedium-altitude
air defense [HIMAD]) and/or a SHORAD capability. In addition, theaterlevel
BDEs, with HIMAD and/or exo-atmospheric assets normally will be made available to
the AADC for DAL protection, usually under C2 of the commander, AAMDC.
(2) Varying with the size of the MAGTF, MARFOR are equipped with long-range
radars, SHORAD weapons, and extensive C2 facilities.
(3) NAVFOR AMD capabilities include SAMs and the C2 suitable for
regional/sector AD commands. Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers will provide area
(e.g., high-to-medium altitude AD and BMD) and point (e.g., SHORAD) AMD. In addition
to those AMD capable ships, all surface combatants are provided with some self-defense
capability (guns and/or missiles). Area defense capable ships normally will deploy as part of
a carrier strike group but may also be attached to amphibious ready groups or deploy
independently. Some of the Aegis-equipped/command ships may be made available and
assigned tasks in support of the AADC for C2 of AD in a maritime or littoral area while
remaining under the OPCON/TACON of the appropriate NAVFOR commander. The
AMDC may be established by a composite warfare commander/officer in tactical command
(CWC/OTC) to conduct AD within the task group/task force assigned operational area. CTF
IAMD coordinates with the AMDC through the CWC/OTC to ensure seamless integration of
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