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

Offensive Counterair Planning and Operations
Primary Offensive Counterair Missions
• Attack operations
• Suppression of enemy air defenses
• Fighter escort
• Fighter sweep
7. Attack Operations
Figure IV-2. Primary Offensive Counterair Missions
a. OCA attack operations are offensive actions against surface targets that contribute to
the enemy’s air and missile capabilities. All components normally have forces capable of
supporting attack operations. Some Service components refer to attack operations as strikes.
The objective of attack operations is to prevent the hostile use of enemy aircraft and missiles
by attacking them and their supporting elements and infrastructure with the fires necessary to
create the desired effects.
DESERT STORM OFFENSIVE COUNTERAIR
The Iraqi Air Force posed both a defensive threat to Coalition air
operations and an offensive threat to Coalition forces in the region. In
addition to a defensive capability, the Iraqi Air Force had a chemical
weapons delivery capability and had used precision-guided missiles.
Initial targeting of the Iraqi Air Force during Operation DESERT STORM
emphasized the suppression of air operations at airfields by cratering and
mining runways, bombing aircraft, maintenance and storage facilities, and
attacking [command, control, and communications] facilities. Coalition
planners anticipated the Iraqis initially would attempt to fly large numbers
of defensive sorties, requiring an extensive counterair effort. Air
commanders also expected the Iraqis to house and protect aircraft in
hardened shelters. An attempt to fly some aircraft to sanctuary in a
neighboring country also was expected, although the safe haven was
thought to be Jordan, rather than Iran.
b. OCA Attack Operation Targets. Attack operations target the following
components of enemy air and missile capability (not in a prioritized order):
(1) Air and missile unit C2 nodes/centers.
(2) Aircraft on airfields and in shelters.
(3) CMs and BMs on fixed and mobile launchers.
SOURCE: Final Report to Congress
Conduct of the Persian Gulf War, April 1992
(4) Airfield runways, taxiways, and underground facilities entrances.
IV-9