HVAA protection is performed by which assets?

• A. CG, DDG, F/A-18, F-35, AV-8
• B. CG and DDG only
• C. Only aircraft
• D. Submarines

Answer: (A)

HVAA protection relies on a layered defense that combines both surface ships and airborne fighters to shield high-value air assets. Surface combatants like cruisers and destroyers provide the primary air-defense layer with shipboard sensors, the Aegis system, and surface-to-air missiles to detect, track, and engage incoming threats early. Air assets—F/A-18s, F-35s, and AV-8 Harriers—offer the flexible, close and escort-type defense needed at shorter ranges and in contested airspace, delivering intercepts, threat engagement, and enhanced situational awareness through advanced sensors and networking. The F-35 brings advanced sensors and stealth-enabled protection, the F/A-18s perform robust carrier-capable air defense and escort missions, and the AV-8 Harrier adds rapid response in certain environments. So protection of high-value air assets is performed by both surface ships and aircraft.