The Kamikaze Throughline—U.S. Fleet Air Defense from Imperial Japan to Drones

Authors

Tyler A. Pitrof

Number

9

Abstract

Since World War II, fleet air defense has been organized around the principle of engaging threats as far out from the fleet as possible, motivated by early failures to engage the kamikaze threat. This approach remains as vital as ever and progressively more challenging in the face of the contemporary threats posed by cruise missiles and—increasingly—by drone warfare.

Recommended Citation

Pitrof, Tyler A. (2025) "The Kamikaze Throughline—U.S. Fleet Air Defense from Imperial Japan to Drones," Naval War College Review: Vol. 78: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol78/iss1/9