Overview
The core air power role of strike aligns with the ADF warfighting function of force application.
Strike is the ability to attack with the intention of damaging, neutralising or destroying a target. Strike can employ lethal or nonlethal, and kinetic or non-kinetic means to create the desired physical and/or cognitive effect on the adversary. It has particular value for the use of air power as a broader deterrent or coercive instrument. The demonstrated capability to strike an adversary allows the application of a range of strategies, such as a diplomatic warning or show of force, through to the actual use of force. Strike can therefore be used to deter or coerce the adversary, degrade, neutralise or destroy an adversary’s war-making capabilities, or disrupt or deny courses of action. Strike missions are proactive and offensive in nature and may be used to take the initiative, gain surprise and minimise opposition to friendly operations. Like all air power roles, strike can achieve synergistic effects when employed in combination with other roles.