What is the main objective of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission type?

The main objective of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission type is to neutralize enemy radar and missile systems. This mission is crucial as it focuses on reducing or eliminating the effectiveness of an adversary's air defense capabilities, thereby allowing friendly aircraft to operate with reduced risk from surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery. By targeting and disabling radar installations and missile launchers, SEAD operations enhance the safety and effectiveness of following air missions, such as air-to-ground strikes.

Successfully conducting SEAD operations can lead to air superiority, which is a vital component of overall mission success in combat scenarios, ensuring that other air tasks can be executed without the threat of enemy air defenses. This is why neutralizing radar and missile systems is prioritized in this type of mission.