Does America Have ‘Air Superiority’ over Iran? Here’s What to Know

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The United States is assumed to have “air superiority” over Iran—but this is far from ensuring total control of Iranian airspace.

Operation Epic Fury began with a multi-domain effort to gain access to Iranian airspace—an effort that was largely successful, leading to either “air superiority” or “air supremacy,” depending on who you ask.

Those two terms are often used interchangeably in public discussion. However, in military doctrine, they describe different levels of control over the skies—and understanding that distinction helps explain both what coalition forces have achieved through three weeks of Epic Fury, and what risks still remain.

What Is “Air Superiority”?

Air superiority is the more common objective in modern warfare—meaning that one side has enough control of the airspace to carry out its missions without prohibitive interference from the enemy. Aircraft can conduct strike missions; non-stealth aircraft like bombers, ISR assets, and fighters can operate; and ground operations can take place with air support.

Still, under........

© The National Interest