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

Defense Counterair Planning and Operations
multiple assets.
asset).
1. Assign barrier CAPs for the defense of a broad area when protecting
2. Assign a CAP to a specific asset (e.g., high value surface or airborne
3. Assign CAPs to special missions, as appropriate. For example, a barrier
CAP may be tasked to inspect or “sanitize” returning strike packages to ensure enemy
aircraft do not shadow friendly aircraft back to friendly areas/bases.
4. If made available for tasking for DCA, consider Navy and Marine
CAPs as not only defending maritime forces, but also for defense of land-based assets by
positioning them over land during littoral operations.
5. Consider employing a CAP if defense is still required and inventory
depletion or combat losses result in gaps in SAM coverage in MEZs, or if specific SAM
interceptor inventory must be conserved for defense against BM threats rather than used
against air threats.
(g) Establish a FEZ. Establish a FEZ to support CAP operations after the
surface MEZs are established.
1. The FEZ normally extends above the coordinating altitude to the upper
limit of either the assigned DCA or primary threat aircraft operating envelope.
vertically.
2. Where a MEZ and FEZ overlap horizontally, they may be separated
3. Fighters are normally given a larger WEZ to perform an area defense
mission and to accommodate their longer-ranged weapons system capabilities.
(h) Establish a Crossover Zone. To facilitate mutual support, defense in
depth, and overlapping fires, MAGTF AD assets employ a crossover zone that overlaps a
MEZ and FEZ. This allows C2, DCA aircraft, and ground-based AD weapons systems to
coordinate engagement in this area by the most appropriate weapons system, while
maintaining a MEZ/FEZ construct.
(i) Position Airborne C2 Stations
1. Station assets within ranges to perform their C2 function but where
threats are minimal and assets cannot be easily engaged and destroyed.
2. Plan to dedicate fighter escort or CAP protection.
(j) Determine Airborne C2 Coverage and Fire Control. When planning
coverage and fire control, consider the following:
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