Combat Air Patrol -

: Detect and engage enemy aircraft entering a protected "circle" around a defended asset.

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 Combat Air Patrol

: 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. : Detect and engage enemy aircraft entering a

: Guard vulnerable units such as tankers, transport aircraft, or ground troops. Core Objectives : To maintain a 24-hour presence,

CAP missions are typically conducted in a , which is a strategic flight pattern designed to maximize radar coverage toward a threat axis while staying within a safe operating distance.

: Acts as a last line of defense, reinforcing front-line patrols or protecting a high-value central asset.

: Missions are often coordinated by airborne controllers, such as those on AWACS aircraft, or ground-based control centers that provide situational awareness and authorize intercepts.