ABSTRACT
Publication 1-02 defines AI as “air operations conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy’s military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives.” It further specifies that “air interdiction is conducted at such distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required” (DoD Dictionary). In simple terms, then, air interdiction refers to any attacks against fielded military targets that do not qualify as close air support.
