FM 3-52 — Airspace
FM 3-52 governs Army airspace control and airspace management during large-scale combat operations and across the operations process.
- Publication number: FM 3-52
- Title: AIRSPACE
- Date: 08/11/2026
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View FM 3-52 on armypubs.army.mil
FM 3-52 covers joint airspace control, the theater air-ground system, airspace planning, execution, risk management, coordination measures, connectivity, and unmanned aircraft employment. It describes Army airspace control methods, echelon responsibilities, collective tasks, and requirements for airspace appendixes and unit airspace plans.
Topics covered
- Joint airspace control
- Theater air-ground system
- Airspace planning and preparation
- Airspace coordination measures
- Airspace risk management
- Unmanned aircraft employment
- Unit airspace plans
Questions and answers
How must Army commanders integrate airspace users?
Army commanders are responsible for integrating assigned airspace users, regardless of who controls the airspace, within the larger unified action framework. (paragraph 1-26)
How does FM 3-52 describe airspace planning and coordination?
Airspace planning and coordination continue throughout the operations process, and then airspace requirements are integrated with the joint force. (paragraph 1-3)
Which units must include an airspace appendix?
An airspace appendix is included for all maneuver brigades, functional brigades, or higher echelon units assigned areas or that employ organic manned or unmanned aircraft. (paragraph 3-47)
What does an airspace appendix provide?
The airspace appendix provides guidance on how to integrate airspace users in accordance with commanders intent, priorities, concept of operations, and risk guidance contained in Annex C (Operations) of the operations plan or order. (paragraph 3-47)
What does the airspace working group do during airspace planning?
For airspace planning, the airspace working group facilitates and synchronizes airspace collective task contributions from all the subordinate units. (paragraph 3-44)