What best defines the purpose of gaining and maintaining air superiority?

The purpose of gaining and maintaining air superiority is primarily focused on preventing enemy air attacks on joint forces. Achieving air superiority means that friendly forces have control of the airspace, which is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of military operations. This capability allows for the unhindered movement of friendly forces and provides a protective umbrella over ground, naval, and air operations.

By ensuring that enemy aircraft cannot operate freely, friendly forces can conduct their missions with reduced risk of interference, leading to greater operational effectiveness. Air superiority is vital in enabling not just air operations but also significantly enhances the success of ground and naval operations by providing close air support and protecting them from aerial threats. Thus, the main objective is to secure the battlespace by neutralizing enemy air capabilities, thereby safeguarding the joint forces’ movements and objectives.