Considerations on Countering the Actions Aimed at Banning Access and Restricting Freedom of Action (A2AD)

Each state seeks to protect its territory from external threats using a wide range of forces and means, which combine the strike power with increased possibilities of detection given by the use of modern technologies. In this regard, we can see that some states have developed complex active and passive defense systems with the purpose of banning access and controlling certain key areas and aimed at both discouraging potential aggressors and protecting vital interests. For states with regional or global ambitions, the successful conduct of access operations in the area of operations, in a permissive, semi-permissive or hostile environment must be a priority. Access operations in a semi-permissive or hostile environment involve the use of tailored capabilities to deal with the opponent’s defense system and to overcome A2AD’s abilities.