Air interdiction is the use of aircraft to attack tactical ground targets that are not in close proximity to friendly ground forces. It differs from close air support because it does not directly support ground operations and is not closely coordinated with ground units. Unlike strategic bombing, air interdiction is not meant as an independent air campaign; its ultimate purpose is still to allow ground operations rather than to defeat an enemy by air power alone.
Examples of air interdiction campaigns
WWII
- Operation Stranglehold - Used P47 Thunderbolt attacks to disrupt Axis rail supply lines in Italy.
Vietnam
See Also
tactical bombing
External links