Terminology

Air Interdiction vs Close Air Support

What is the difference?

In the simplest terms, it has to do with how close the ground targets are to friendly ground forces.

• If there are no enemies nearby, then it is considered an AI mission
• If the enemy is in close proximity to friendly forces, then the mission is considered CAS

Both missions require some type of Theater Air Control System, or TACS, to be in place prior to the first attack run.