// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
DEAD
DEAD, or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses, refers to military operations specifically designed to find, target, and destroy surface-to-air missile sites, anti-aircraft artillery, and associated radar systems that threaten friendly aircraft. Its primary goal is to create safe corridors for strike aircraft to operate.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
DEAD, or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses, encompasses military operations to neutralize or eliminate enemy ground-based air defense systems like SAMs, AAA, and radar installations, thereby enabling safe access and freedom of maneuver for friendly strike aircraft and ensuring air superiority within a specified operational area.
BACKGROUND
The military budget of the United States is the largest portion of the discretionary federal budget allocated to the Department of Defense (DoD), or more broadly, the portion of the budget that goes to any military-related expenditures. It pays the salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new items. The budget funds the six branches of the US military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Critics contend that recent U.S. defense budgets have disproportionately invested in long-term developmental programs instead of producing weapons systems needed in the near term.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses)
- SAM hunting
- Air defense suppression
- Anti-access/Area Denial (A2/AD) defeat
USAGE NOTE
DEAD missions are critical in the initial phases of an air campaign, often preceding or accompanying major strike packages to mitigate threats to high-value assets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to DEAD.
Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
A major defense contractor that develops and manufactures advanced weapon systems, including the High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), which is specifically designed for the Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) by targeting radar systems.
Lockheed Martin
A global aerospace and defense company involved in developing advanced aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II, which incorporates sophisticated electronic warfare systems and stealth capabilities crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and DEAD missions.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Develops military aircraft, including the EA-18G Growler, which is a dedicated electronic attack aircraft designed for airborne electronic warfare and SEAD/DEAD missions, specializing in jamming and destroying enemy air defense systems.
Northrop Grumman
A leading defense contractor known for its advanced electronic warfare systems, stealth technology, and surveillance aircraft that are critical for neutralizing or degrading enemy air defenses in DEAD operations.
BAE Systems
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company that provides a range of electronic warfare systems, countermeasures, and advanced sensors essential for detecting, jamming, and suppressing enemy air defenses.
L3Harris Technologies
Develops advanced electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, providing critical capabilities for identifying, locating, and neutralizing enemy air defense threats, supporting DEAD missions.
Saab
A Swedish aerospace and defense company that develops fighter aircraft, such as the Gripen, with integrated electronic warfare suites and capabilities designed for SEAD/DEAD operations against enemy air defense systems.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
An Israeli defense company known for developing advanced electronic warfare systems, air-to-ground missiles, and intelligence solutions that enable effective detection and neutralization of enemy air defenses.