Which mission includes armed reconnaissance?

Armed reconnaissance missions focus on identifying and targeting enemy forces, installations, and movements while being equipped to engage those targets as necessary. The SCAR (Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance) Maritime Missions encompass this type of activity. They are designed to provide real-time surveillance and situational awareness, enabling aircrews to locate, assess, and potentially engage targets while coordinating with other air and ground forces. This mission type effectively combines reconnaissance with the capability for offensive action, directly aligning with the principles of armed reconnaissance.

In contrast, the other mission types focus on different operational goals. Airborne Maritime Mining involves deploying munitions to disrupt maritime traffic, while personnel recovery increasingly emphasizes rescuing individuals in hostile environments rather than armed engagement. Close Air Support, although it involves engaging ground targets, is primarily focused on supporting ground troops in close proximity rather than reconnaissance. Thus, SCAR Maritime Missions best fits the definition of armed reconnaissance due to its combination of surveillance and combat capabilities.