What is the primary mission of the Air Force?

The primary mission of the Air Force is to "fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace." This statement encapsulates the core responsibilities and operational capabilities of the Air Force across multiple domains. Each element of the mission reflects a crucial aspect of modern warfare and defense strategy.

Flying represents the fundamental role of the Air Force in leveraging air power to gain and maintain air superiority. Fighting highlights the readiness and capability to engage in combat operations, which can occur not just in the air but also extend into space and cyberspace. Winning conveys the ultimate goal of these operations, which is to achieve victory in conflict and ensure security for the nation.

While protecting the homeland is an essential function of the Air Force, it is one component of a broader mission focused on operational readiness across various domains. Conducting global strike missions and providing humanitarian aid are also important but are not comprehensive enough to define the complete mission of the Air Force, as they represent specific roles rather than the overarching purpose. Thus, the mission statement that includes flying, fighting, and winning captures the full scope of the Air Force's objectives in today's complex security environment.