What does the term "kill chain" refer to in the context of air defense?

The term "kill chain" in the context of air defense refers specifically to the sequence of events necessary to engage and destroy a target. This involves several critical steps, such as detecting the target, identifying its nature, tracking its movements, and ultimately executing the engagement through firing or launching an intercepting weapon system. The kill chain concept is integral to air defense operations as it encapsulates the entire process from target recognition to its destruction, ensuring that responses are timely, effective, and coordinated.

Understanding this process is fundamental for personnel involved in air defense operations, as it outlines the systematic approach required to engage threats effectively while minimizing collateral damage and maximizing operational efficiency.