- 5th Generation Aviation
Combat Air
Combat Air (CA) is the heart of Joint Air Power. NATO’s ability to deter and defend relies on the freedom of manoeuvre throughout all domains. CA contributes to that freedom by providing Air Superiority, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences, Air Interdiction, Electromagnetic Operations, Close Air Support, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, NATO Ballistic Missile Defence, and Personnel Recovery. This Branch incorporates manned and unmanned platforms, with fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and draws from all components within Alliance air and space forces.
Featured Publications
Rebalancing Combat Aviation Training
Integrating Synthetic Environments for Multi-Domain Mission Readiness
Combat pilots have always preferred to fly, and that preference has shaped how militaries train. However, in recent decades, simulator training has increasingly supplemented live flight hours. As the synthetic training environment evolves in sophistication [...]
Faster Than the Threat
AI-Enabled Decision Advantage for NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence
It begins subtly, much like any other day on duty. Sensor networks deployed along NATO’s Eastern Flank start registering small deviations from expected patterns. At the same time, satellite imagery reveals launchers for advanced missile [...]
