An air-to-air missile can disrupt a strike even without destroying an aircraft. Evasive manoeuvres consume fuel and can force attackers to jettison weapons to regain manoeuvrability. Combat air patrols have moved outward from early figure-of-eight orbits directly over the carrier to positions farther toward the threat. An illustrative two-patrol arrangement places one about 100 miles from the battle group and another about 250 miles away. When the outer patrol engages, the inner patrol moves forward and alert aircraft launch to replace it. Attackers then face shipboard long-range missiles, electronic warfare, point defences and guns. Budget cuts had already removed some capabilities from this intended defence, leaving gaps that would need investment to close.
Notable Point · 58:08-1:01:03
Missiles and successive combat air patrols disrupt carrier attacks
Missiles can spoil a strike by forcing evasive manoeuvres, while successive fighter patrols keep attackers under pressure before they reach shipboard defences.