Overview
Air superiority exists when operations can be conducted at a given location for the desired duration without effective interference by adversary air power and/or air defence capabilities.
When control of the air is not achieved, one of the following two categories will apply:
a. Air parity. Air parity exists when control of the air is being contested and no force has been able to obtain an air power advantage and/or air defence dominance over another.
b. Unfavourable air situation. An unfavourable air situation exists when operations can expect to encounter prohibitive interference from adversary air power and/or air defence capabilities.
Key Terms
Air superiority
That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another which permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force
Freedom of action
The ability of a commander to use his means at any time and to act despite the presence of the enemy and the various constraints imposed by both the environment and circumstances, in order to achieve the assigned goal.
Air supremacy
Air supremacy exists when adversary air power and/or air defence capabilities are incapable of effective interference, unbounded by time and location.