Air superiority is defined as?

Air superiority is fundamentally defined as achieving total dominance over the enemy in air combat. This concept is critical for military operations, as it allows friendly forces to operate without significant threat from enemy aircraft. When a force has air superiority, it can effectively control the airspace and significantly influence ground and naval operations, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its own air and ground forces.

The attainment of air superiority enables a wide range of tactical advantages, such as conducting reconnaissance, supporting ground troops, and executing air strikes against enemy positions with reduced risk of retaliation. This control in the air is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of joint missions and protecting forces below.

Other options may touch on relevant aspects of military operations but do not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of air superiority. For instance, while facilitating joint operations with naval forces and maintaining ground support are important for achieving overall mission success, they are not the defining objective of air superiority. Limiting civilian access to airspace, although a consideration in certain military operations, also does not accurately describe the concept.