An IADS works as a chain. In doctrine and systems this is called the kill chain, with three core links (compare the Fire Control Sequence, Executing the fire control sequence using the EMS):
- Detect — a search radar or sensor discovers that something is in the air.
- Track — a fire-control or tracking radar holds on to the target and continuously determines its position and velocity.
- Engage — a weapon (SAM) is fired and guided to the target.
SEAD/DEAD attacks the weakest link, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest connection:
- Take out detect (jam or destroy the search radar) → the system is blind and does not even know it is being attacked.
- Disrupt track (jam the fire-control radar or break the data links between the links of the chain) → the chain falls apart; no aimed fire is possible.
- Discourage engage → force the operator into an impossible choice (see below).
The art of SEAD is therefore not necessarily “destroy everything”, but breaking the chain at one point — often cheaper and faster than taking out every system individually.