During which phase do shows of force and deployment of missile defense forces occur?

The phase in which shows of force and the deployment of missile defense forces are conducted is primarily associated with the deterrence strategy. Deterrence aims to prevent an adversary from taking aggressive actions by showcasing military capability and readiness. This can be manifested through military displays, such as shows of force, which serve to signal to potential adversaries that aggressive actions would lead to significant consequences.

In this context, deploying missile defense forces enhances the perception of strength and readiness, further solidifying the message that any offensive actions would be met with a capable defensive response. The deterrence phase is crucial for maintaining stability and discouraging conflict, as it strategically utilizes military assets to influence the behavior of adversaries without escalating to active engagement.

While other phases like dissuasion, engagement, and assessment play important roles in joint air operations, they center around different objectives. Dissuasion focuses on preventing the development of capabilities or aspirations that could threaten security, engagement involves the actual use of military force in response to threats, and assessment emphasizes evaluating the effectiveness of operations and strategy. These distinct focuses highlight why deterrence is the correct phase in this context.