Military operations have a unique challenge in mountainous terrain. Rugged peaks, steep ridges, deep ravines, and valleys. Limited routes of communications. Highly changeable and unpredictable weather. Availability of natural cover and concealment.
Mountainous terrain offers distinct advantages to attacking enemy air threats.
Air platforms can avoid radar and visual detection by flying low through valleys and mountain passes. They attack or surveil their target with little or no warning. Maneuver forces, combat support, and combat service support units that are road-bound provide lucrative targets. Narrow mountain roads often prevent passing and force one-way traffic. A disabled vehicle may stop a whole column and make it vulnerable to ground fire, indirect fire, or air attacks.