What is a key difference between "tactical" and "strategic" air operations?

The key differentiation between tactical and strategic air operations lies in their scope and focus. Tactical operations are characterized by their short-term objectives that prioritize immediate engagements, such as targeting enemy forces or specific installations to achieve specific mission goals in a given area. This focus on immediate actions ensures that tactical operations directly support broader strategic objectives, but they are distinctly concerned with the short-term impacts on the battlefield.

Strategic operations, on the other hand, involve long-term planning and aim to achieve overarching goals that will influence the course of a conflict or campaign over time. They encompass a broader range of activities that consider the entire theater of operations, resource allocation, and long-term outcomes rather than immediate engagements.

The distinction is essential for understanding how air operations are planned and executed, influencing command decisions and the overall approach to military operations.