Q&A · 1:12:32-1:13:11

AAR, AEW, ASW, and ASuW explained

Four common abbreviations distinguish aerial refueling, airborne warning, submarine hunting, and attacks on surface forces.

Aerial Refuelling Airborne Early Warning Anti-Submarine Warfare Anti Surface Warfare Naval Aviation

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Question

What do AAR, AEW, ASW, and ASuW mean?

Short answer

They mean air-to-air refueling, airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare.

Notes

AAR means air-to-air refueling, while AEW means airborne early warning. ASW is anti-submarine warfare, and ASuW is anti-surface warfare. The first pair describes aviation support functions. The second pair separates operations against submarines from attacks on surface forces.