Which type of defense measure would involve direct actions to destroy air threats?

Active defense refers to measures that involve direct actions taken to counter or destroy air threats. This might include engaging enemy aircraft with surface-to-air missiles, combat air patrols, or other combat systems designed to detect, intercept, and neutralize airborne threats before they can cause damage. The essence of active defense is its proactive nature, as opposed to merely relying on fortifications or static defenses.

In contrast, passive defense focuses on measures intended to mitigate damage (such as camouflage or protective structures) rather than actively confronting threats. Strategic defense typically involves broader planning and allocation of resources to protect a region or nation over the long term, while tactical withdrawal implies retreating from engagements or positions under threat, which does not directly address the destruction of air threats. The distinction between these concepts highlights the specific role of active defense in directly engaging and neutralizing threats in real-time.