What does air superiority allow a force to do during operations?

Air superiority is crucial for operational success and fundamentally allows a force to conduct operations without interference from the opposing force. This capability means that friendly forces can carry out their missions—such as ground offensives, reconnaissance, and logistical support—without the threat of enemy air attacks disrupting their activities. By establishing dominance in the skies, a military force is able to gain the freedom of movement and reduce the risks to its personnel and equipment, ultimately leading to more effective and efficient operations.

In this context, while other options touch upon aspects related to military operations, they do not accurately encapsulate the broader significance of air superiority. Achieving complete control of all air traffic is not a direct function of air superiority, as air superiority concerns itself more with preventing enemy air capabilities rather than managing all air traffic. Similarly, restricting enemy operations exclusively to ground forces does not fully reflect the implications of having air superiority, which allows friendly forces to operate freely across all domains, not just limit the enemy's choices. Lastly, limiting the use of nuclear weapons is a strategic consideration that falls outside the direct operational benefits provided by air superiority.