What does CAS refer to in terms of military aviation support?

Close Air Support (CAS) refers to the air support provided to ground troops engaged in combat. This type of support is conducted in close proximity to friendly forces, ensuring that air operations are closely coordinated with ground units to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of friendly fire. CAS typically involves aircraft delivering munitions directly on targets that are threatening ground troops.

The essence of CAS is to enhance the combat capabilities of ground forces by providing timely and accurate air strikes against enemy positions, facilitating maneuverability, and offering tactical advantages during engagements. Training for both pilots and ground personnel focuses heavily on coordination, integration, and communication to ensure that the airstrikes align with the tactical situation on the ground.

While other options contain terms related to air support, they do not specifically denote the same operational focus as Close Air Support.