fire support radar & RC-135

[TailLift]

Hi guys,

First off: I am a non-flyer, but have an interest in aviation, both civilian and military.

The BBC report in their article "N Korea jets shadow US plane" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2816729.stm) that "North Korean fighter jets have intercepted a US reconnaissance plane in international air space and shadowed it for 22 minutes ... During the intercept at least one of the fighters engaged fire support radar and locked on to the RC-135".

I was wondering: what qualifies as an "intercept"? Are there any definitions for this? Is this military parlance for airprox between non-friendly aircraft, for example? Or is it just a case of when a pilot (or his superiors) feels he's been "intercepted" by the "enemy"?

Also, I'd be grateful if anyone could explain in layman's terms what "to engage fire support radar" means.

Thanks for the help,
Chris

[left one o clock]

Taillift,
Every alliance pilot flies having been briefed on the extant Rules Of Engagement (ROE). These define (amongst other things) what will constitute a hostile act and what retaliatory options are available to each. Specific mention and allowance is made for the use by 'hostile' units of their various emission systems. Effectiveley, these rules will include descriptions of what would constitute being 'intercepted'. Obviously, specific details are not available for discussion.
Left.