Allocation of Two Types of Aircraft in Tactical Air War: A Game-Theoretic Analysis

The problem of allocating two types of aircraft (bombers and fighters) among three different air tasks (counter air, air defense, and support of ground operations) in a multistrike campaign is analyzed as a two-sided war game. It is assumed that a bomber can be used in either the counter-air or ground-support operations, while a fighter can be used in either the air defense or ground support roles. That is, bombers and fighters have one task—ground support—in common. Optimal employment during the last strikes of the campaign consists of a concentration of all resources in support of ground operations. Optimal employment during the early strikes of the campaign requires randomization by both sides.