Defeating Adversary A2/AD Systems Through the Synergistic Effects of Cross-Domain Fires

Abstract

A2/AD systems cannot be countered through the action of a single operational domain or a single platform, but rather through the disruption of the adversary’s system-of-systems by means of synchronized cross-domain fires designed to generate systemic paralysis, operational shock, and “windows of superiority” that enable joint forces to regain freedom of maneuver. Based on a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodological design, this article highlights the quantification of the impact of multi-domain fires convergence on the effectiveness of engaging critical elements of A2/AD architectures, such as Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS), Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) complexes, and command-and-control (C2) centers. The results demonstrate that defeating A2/AD systems requires a conceptual transition from sequential engagement models toward dynamic joint kill-webs, supported by artificial intelligence-enabled targeting automation and resilient, collaborative command-and-control (C2) architectures.