Combat Operational Capabilities
Tornado Contribution to Core Air and Space Power Activities
Due to the variety of weapons and equipment integrated into the Tornado Weapon system, the aircraft has the ability to achieve various strategic, operational and tactical level objectives. Within forces conducting joint air operations, the Tornado Weapon system can be provided as a flexible force, capable of being deployed as part of a broader joint operation.
Counter Air
Offensive Counter Air (OCA)
The aim of OCA operation is to destroy, disrupt or degrade enemy air and missile threats. Such operations are conducted across enemy territory at the initiative of friendly forces.
The aim of OCA operation is to destroy, disrupt or degrade enemy air and missile threats. Such operations are conducted across enemy territory at the initiative of friendly forces.Surface Attack Operations (SAO)
In SAO, the mission task is to destroy, neutralise or delay the enemy’s military potential before it can be effectively deployed against friendly ground and naval forces. Thus affecting target, priority or time.Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD)
Lacking a system to locate enemy radars, the GE/IT/UK IDS Tornado is mainly tasked with pre-emptive HARM/ALARM launches on pre-planned targets. For such attacks, the IDS is strongly dependent on intelligence information during planning. Reactive HARM/ALARM launches can be performed on the bases of RWR information or after emitter updates from external sources via radio or data link.Defensive Counter Air (DCA)
DCA operations are focused on the protection of friendly forces against enemy air and missile attacks. Active and passive AD operations are performed to detect, identify, intercept and destroy enemy air and missile forces attempting to attack or penetrate friendly battle space.Active Air Defence (AAD)
With AAD, any direct defensive action is meant, that is being performed to destroy, negate or reduce the effectiveness of enemy air and missile attack against friendly forces or critical assets.
Counter LandAir Interdiction (AI)
Any action to destroy, disrupt or delay the enemy’s surface potential before it can be used effectively against friendly forces or assets is seen as Air Interdiction.
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Close Air Support (CAS)
CAS provides firepower to ground or amphibious forces engaged in offensive or defensive actions by day or by night, to destroy, suppress, delay or fix enemy forces in close proximity to friendly groundforces.
Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR)
SCAR missions deliver an extended view of the battlespace and are typically equipped with munitions and systems that better enhance target designations to locate, coordinate, attack or target mark for AI missions.
Counter SeaAnti Surface Warfare (ASuW)
ASuW operations are conducted against enemy surface forces to support maritime operations. The aim of ASuW missions is to destroy or neutralize enemy naval surface forces and merchant vessels.
