What is a primary effect of Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) on aircraft sortie rates?

Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) significantly enhance the efficacy of air strikes, allowing a smaller number of aircraft to effectively engage and destroy a target with high accuracy. This capability leads to a reduction in the number of aircraft needed for a particular mission, as each aircraft equipped with PGMs can deliver lethal strikes more precisely and with greater success than traditional unguided munitions.

When aircraft can strike targets accurately and effectively, the overall mission efficiency improves, meaning fewer sorties are needed to achieve the same or even enhanced levels of target destruction. Consequently, forces can achieve their operational goals with reduced resources, allowing for a more streamlined use of air power, which is especially advantageous in situations requiring rapid response or limited logistical support. Thus, the ability of PGMs to enhance strike capability while minimizing the number of aircraft needed directly impacts sortie rates positively.