What is Close Air Support?

In 2006 the operation in Afghanistan proved the importance of Close Air Support (CAS), which is the delivery of firepower from the air onto targets that are close to friendly forces. The variety of targets likely to be encountered makes it important to be able to use a variety of weapons and delivery systems. Close Air Support in an urban environment is extremely tricky due to the likely presence of civilians, the potential for collateral damage, restrictive rules of engagement and the increased chance of fratricide, or a 'Blue on Blue'.
RAF Spadeadam provides excellent Close Air Support training and from February 2007 Spade will have the only Urban CAS facility in the UK on which aircrews can drop practice bombs.