Chapter VIII
VIII-10 JP 3-02
deploying capability. Naval guns can also present a threat to surface forces and are found
on nearly all surface combatants.
(3) Submarines are the best equipped of all force types to operate in a covert or
clandestine manner in a hostile environment. Many submarines can threaten the AF well
beyond the effective operational radius of land-based aircraft that may oppose AF
operations. Diesel-electric attack submarines provide a readily deployable weapon system
for a variety of peacetime and wartime missions for the enemy. Diesel-electric submarines
may be armed with torpedoes, antiship missiles, guns, mines, or a mix of these weapons.
Coordination with the ASW commander is a key planning element for all SUW operations.
(4) The main air threat to forces conducting SUW operations comes from sea-
or land-based multirole aircraft, including bombers, fighters, maritime reconnaissance
patrol aircraft, and helicopters armed with guided and unguided weapons. Although
designed primarily to attack land targets, fighter-bombers are a threat because of
widespread availability and combat radius. They may be armed with antiship missiles,
bombs, rockets, or guns. Many littoral nations have maritime reconnaissance patrol
aircraft, which can also be armed with SUW weapons such as antiship cruise missiles,
rockets, bombs, torpedoes, and mines. Additionally, many types of military helicopters
are readily available and could pose a threat to SUW operations. They are capable of
carrying a variety of weapons, including antiship cruise missiles, rockets, and guns.
Coordination with the air warfare commanders and JFACC (when assigned) should be a
part of every ATF SUW plan.
(5) Many nations and some non-state groups have coastal defense systems that
integrate coastal area surveillance, engagement of enemy forces, and support of friendly
forces operating in the area. A coastal defense system usually includes radar stations
(stationary or mobile), to provide coverage in the area of interest and various weapons
systems. Additional information resources may include acoustic sensors, human
intelligence, communications intelligence, sightings by commercial surface vessels (e.g.,
fishing vessels), surface combatants, auxiliaries, submarines, reconnaissance aircraft,
unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, and satellites. Weapon systems, depending on the
geographical features of the coastline, may include surface-to-surface missile systems
(which may be fixed or mobile), torpedoes, and controlled minefields situated along the
coastline at focal points or in restricted waters. When operating in littoral areas, the coastal
defense system capabilities of the bordering nations and other relevant actors (e.g., terrorist
groups) should be considered.
(6) The ATF may have limited air and missile defense/antiair warfare assets,
especially at the ARG and single-ship level, and should use them to destroy or reduce
incoming air threats to an acceptable level. The ATF’s classification, identification, and
engagement area is typically much smaller than the CSG’s. The problem of distinguishing
friendly, neutral, and enemy aircraft while employing various weapons systems is a
complex task under normal circumstances. In the littorals, the complexity is further
increased due to the confinement of the operational area. It is critical to establish airspace
control measures that ensure identification of all joint/coalition airborne assets to prevent
friendly fire and identify incoming threats. It is also critical that the force bases the