What is the purpose of SEAD?

• A. Escorts friendly aircraft
• B. Conducts ISR missions
• C. Neutralizes, destroys, or degrades enemy air defense systems
• D. Provides air superiority

Answer: (C)

SEAD is focused on reducing the threat from enemy air defenses so other air operations can happen safely. Its purpose is to neutralize, destroy, or degrade enemy air defense systems—radars, surface-to-air missiles, launcher sites, and related command-and-control nodes—so friendly aircraft can operate with less risk and greater freedom of movement. This clearing of airspace often uses a mix of weapons and electronic warfare to suppress or defeat the defenses, paving the way for strikes, reconnaissance, or air superiority missions to proceed more effectively.