Strike

A strike is an air-to-ground mission type in which aircraft are tasked with delivering weapons against fixed or preplanned targets in order to destroy, neutralize, or degrade enemy capabilities. Strike missions focus on planned effects, not immediate support to friendly troops in contact.

Strike is one of the foundational mission types in military aviation and underpins many specialized roles such as interdiction, deep strike, and strategic attack.

Key characteristics

• Preplanned targets: Target coordinates, aim points, and effects are defined before launch.
• Planned timing: Often executed using TOT (Time on Target) for synchronization.
• Weapon employment: May include unguided bombs, PGMs, cruise missiles, or standoff weapons.
• Coordination: Frequently supported by SEAD, escort, and EW assets.
• Execution environment: Typically conducted outside immediate friendly ground contact.

Strike vs CAS

• Strike:
  • Planned in advance
  • Targets are fixed or known
  • No troops in contact
• CAS:
  • Reactive or dynamic
  • Friendly forces nearby
  • Controlled by JTAC/FAC

Confusing these two is a doctrinal error, not just a semantic one.

Common strike subtypes

• Interdiction: Attacking enemy forces or logistics before they reach the front
• Deep strike: Attacks far beyond the forward line of troops
• Strategic strike: High-value targets with operational or strategic impact
• Preemptive strike: Planned attack to neutralize a threat before it can act

These are conceptual subtypes, not separate glossary categories.

Application in DCS World

• Strike missions are widely represented in DCS through:
  • Preplanned missions
  • Campaign scenarios
  • Multiplayer operations
• Mission briefs often specify:
  • Target coordinates
  • TOT
  • Weapon restrictions
  • Threat environment

DCS allows realistic practice of:

• Navigation to preplanned targets
• Weapon delivery accuracy
• Timing discipline
• Package coordination

Training relevance for cadets

Cadets should learn to:

• Treat strike missions as planning-intensive, not reactive
• Respect timing and geometry constraints
• Coordinate with support assets
• Distinguish clearly between strike and CAS tasking

Bottom line:
A strike mission is about planned effects at a planned time.
Execution quality depends as much on preparation and timing as on weapon accuracy.