In air defense terminology, what is a 'sighting'?

• A. The initial detection or track of a target by a sensor, which may then be correlated to a threat.
• B. A reconnaissance mission by a pilot.
• C. A weather phenomenon affecting radar performance.
• D. A communications intercept with a potential threat.

Answer: (A)

A sighting is the initial detection and tracking of a potential target by a sensor. When a radar or other sensor picks up a blip, it begins a track and can be correlated with data from other sensors to determine whether it represents a real threat. This starting point feeds threat assessment and engagement decisions.

A pilot reconnaissance mission isn’t a sighting, as it involves an aircraft performing a mission rather than a sensor-detected track. A weather phenomenon affecting radar performance is environmental noise or clutter, not a tracked target. A communications intercept relates to signal intelligence, not the detection and tracking of a flying target.