Background & Purpose: The expansion of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and the simultaneous employment of military, cyber, intelligence, and space capabilities have created complex opportunities and challenges for the offensive and defensive structures of modern states. Moreover, as the battlespace increasingly extends into the air and space domains, achieving operational integration between air/aerospace offensive operations and air and missile defense, together with continuous intelligence and operational coordination between these two domains, has become a strategic priority for the armed forces of advanced countries. Accordingly, this study aims to develop a model for enhancing operational integration and synergy between the air/aerospace offensive and air and missile defense domains within the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the objective of strengthening multi-domain operations.
Methodology: This study is developmental–applied in terms of purpose and adopts a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) descriptive–analytical approach. The study population consisted of 125 experts and specialists in the fields of air/aerospace offensive operations and air and missile defense drawn from various branches of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data were obtained using researcher-developed questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Findings: The findings revealed that six key components play the most significant roles in achieving operational integration and synergy between the air/aerospace offensive and air and missile defense domains. These components, ranked in order of importance, are: integrated command and control, mission coordination, information synergy, threat information sharing, operational domain overlap, and integration of communication systems. These elements constitute the core dimensions of the proposed conceptual model.
Conclusion: The proposed model provides a practical framework for designing, optimizing, and developing integrated command-and-control systems, establishing joint operational headquarters, and enhancing coordination and operational integration mechanisms between the air/aerospace offensive and air and missile defense domains within the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Implementing this model can improve the effectiveness of multi-domain operations, strengthen operational synergy, and enhance the country's defense capability and strategic deterrence.