"That degree of dominance in the air battle which allows freedom of operations" is defined as what?

Air superiority is defined as the degree of dominance in the air battle that enables a force to conduct its operations without prohibitive interference from opposing forces. Achieving air superiority means having the ability to control the airspace, which allows for the effective execution of military operations. This concept encompasses both the destruction of enemy air capabilities and the denial of effective enemy operations in the air.

In contrast, air supremacy refers to a higher level of control where one side completely dominates the air and greatly limits the enemy’s operational capabilities. Control of the air can be considered a broader term, incorporating both air superiority and supremacy, and indicates a state where a force can conduct operations with minimal threat from the adversary's air capabilities. A favourable air situation is more about the overall circumstances affecting air operations, which may not ensure dominance but still provides some advantages. Therefore, the term that precisely captures the essence of military operations without prohibitive interference from adversaries is air superiority.