In air defense planning, what is the term for employing multiple defense systems to protect a single asset?

• A. Mass
• B. Mobility Deff
• C. Mix Deff
• D. Direct Support

Answer: (C)

Using a mix of defense systems to guard a single asset creates layered, overlapping protection that addresses a wider range of threats and reduces vulnerability to failure or saturation. Different systems bring different strengths—long-range sensors and interceptors can engage high-altitude or distant targets, mid- and short-range defenses cover lower, closer threats, and point-defense weapons handle fast, maneuvering incursions. When combined, they provide redundancy: if one system is jammed, overwhelmed, or out of range, others can still engage. This cross-support also improves overall kill probability because threats must defeat multiple layers with different engagement envelopes and response times. Relying on massing a single system emphasizes a single strength and is more susceptible to being saturated or countered by varied attack profiles. Mobility-focused concepts shift emphasis away from protecting a fixed asset with layered coverage, and direct support relates to a logistics or fire support relationship rather than defensive layering.