Air interdiction (AI), also known as
deep air support (DAS), is the use of aircraft to attack tactical ground targets that are not in close proximity to friendly ground forces. It differs from
close air support because it does not directly support ground operations and is not closely coordinated with ground units. Unlike
strategic bombing, air interdiction is not meant as an independent air campaign, as its ultimate purpose is to aid ground operations rather than to defeat the enemy by
air power alone.