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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

50. In addition to above primary mission types, following are key subsets of the

utility of air power in the maritime environment;

a. Defensive Counter-Air (DCA): DCA involves the destruction,

degradation or disruption of adversary forces near to, or over, friendly territory
and is generally reactive to the initiative of the adversary. DCA includes the
employment of active air defence weapon systems, such as fighters, and surface
based air defence systems, complemented by electronic counter-measures and
other self-protection measures. It also includes passive measures such as
camouflage, concealment, deception, hardening and dispersion, which are part of
overall force protection measures to protect against air and missile attacks. DCA
in the maritime environment is a component of anti-air warfare (AAW).

b. Reconnaissance and Surveillance: The primary objective of
reconnaissance and surveillance operations is to provide timely collection from
sensors and other collectors. This information is used to derive intelligence and
targeting data on the activities and resources of an adversary or potential
adversary. Air reconnaissance and surveillance operations can be categorized as
strategic, operational or tactical depending on the purpose and level of
operations for which the information is being gathered.

c. Electronic Warfare (EW): EW is defined as military action that exploits
electromagnetic energy to provide situational awareness and achieve offensive
and defensive effects. Air assets provide valuable support to EW operations,
whether through EW support measures or electronic countermeasures (ECM).
The overall objective of EW in air operations is to enhance mission effectiveness
and increase the survivability of friendly aircraft and other assets.

d. Search and Rescue (SAR): SAR is defined as the use of aircraft, surface

craft, submarines, specialized rescue teams and equipment to search for and
rescue personnel in distress on land or at sea. According to the provisions of the
International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime
Organization, SAR is a national responsibility that is often delegated to its Armed
Forces for peacetime operations. The boundaries for SAR responsibility are
normally defined by Search and Rescue Regions. Control and coordination of
SAR operations in peacetime is normally the responsibility of the Rescue
Coordination Centres. In our context the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre
(MRCC), Colombo. Naval SAR assets may be made available to assist civil
authorities when the task does not interfere with military requirements.

e. Aerial Mining. Maritime mining operations can be classified as strategic
or tactical; offensive, defensive or protective; and embrace all methods whereby
damage may be inflicted or adversary sea operations hindered by the use of
naval mines. Aircraft by their nature may be the most suitable vehicles for
offensive mine laying operations and for replenishing existing fields. The speed
of a mine laying aircraft is a great advantage during mining operations that must

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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”