Description
The resurgence of large scale conventional war in Europe and the frequent use of long range strike weapons in the Russia Ukraine conflict have revived European interest in deep precision strike (DPS) capabilities. In response, several European nations have expanded budgets and efforts to acquire or develop DPS weapon systems, seeking to enhance or diversify their strike capacity. Prevalent debates tend to centre on the weapons and delivery platforms themselves, whilst neglecting the wider operational context in which they operate. This article proposes an operational framework for deep operations that is independent of any particular DPS system. By inferencing from military doctrine and concepts, it offers a comprehensive conceptual basis for understanding DPS. The framework is intended to aid scholars, policymakers and practitioners in analysing, comparing, and shaping DPS capabilities and tactics beyond the conventional suite of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, long range rocket artillery, or hypersonic boost glide vehicles. It also highlights integration challenges across joint forces.