Combat Air Patrol -

A is a mission where fighter aircraft fly a patrol over an objective area, a protected force, or a critical combat zone to intercept and destroy hostile aircraft before they can reach their target. It serves as a defensive umbrella for land forces, carrier battle groups, or civilian assets. Core Objectives

: To maintain a 24-hour presence, multiple flights of fighters operate in shifts. A single station often requires a four-fighter flight to be continuously manned. Combat Air Patrol

: The process of moving from a defensive orbit to an active interception is known as a "commit," requiring coordination through a chain of command. Specialized CAP Types A is a mission where fighter aircraft fly