In a joint air operation, what is the primary goal of achieving air superiority?

Achieving air superiority is fundamentally about denying the enemy the ability to use the airspace. This is crucial in joint air operations because it allows friendly forces to conduct their operations without the threat of enemy air attacks, which can significantly compromise mission success. When a force achieves air superiority, it can effectively control the airspace above and provide a secure environment for ground and naval operations. This dominance enables friendly forces to operate with increased freedom, conduct offensive and defensive air operations, and protect ground troops from potential threats.

While conducting effective ground operations, maximizing sea power, and enhancing intelligence gathering are also important aspects of military operations, these objectives are significantly hindered without the control of airspace. Therefore, the primary goal of achieving air superiority is to deny the enemy the use of that vital domain.