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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Advantages of Air Power in the Maritime Environment

43. Following could be highlighted as core advantages in the application of air power
in the maritime environment;

a. Rapid response.

b. Wide area coverage.
c. Persistence.

d. Passive and active detection, classification, and identification.

e. Real-time target tracking and reporting.
f. Targeting and strike support, including over the horizon targeting.

g. Timely and relevant indications and warnings.

h. Rapid and accurate battle damage assessment.

Maritime Operations

44. Maritime operations encompass actions conducted by forces on, under or above

the sea to secure or utilize control over the sea, deny access, or project power from the
sea. Maritime power is characterized by qualities such as flexibility, reach, and
persistence. In a joint environment, maritime operations can impact land-based
activities by deterring adversaries, ensuring sustained access to the operational area,
contributing to dominance in the battlespace, projecting power onto land, and providing
sealift capabilities. Land-based support such as surveillance, logistics, and air assistance
can enhance maritime operations. The following terms describe the essential
components of maritime operations.

a. Command of the Sea - Command of the sea provides the ability to freely
use the sea for one's own objectives while preventing an adversary from doing
the same. Complete command of the sea, where one's own or allied maritime
forces face no opposition and an adversary is unable to conduct any maritime
operations, can only be attained through the destruction or neutralization of the
enemy's maritime forces.

b. Sea Control – Sea Control enables the use of the sea in designated areas

and for specific periods of time. Achieving and maintaining a certain level of sea
control is typically necessary across the full spectrum of military operations. The
required level of sea control balances the desired freedom of action with an
acceptable level of risk. Effective sea control demands capabilities in all aspects
of the maritime domain, including space and cyberspace. It is primarily achieved
through the actual use or credible threat of force. Sea control involves overseeing
the surface, subsurface, and airspace, relying on naval forces to maintain

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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”