Breakthrough

A breakthrough concentrates combat power to rupture an enemy line at a selected point.

Once the line is penetrated, forces exploit the gap to attack exposed flanks and rear areas, disrupting cohesion and command. The objective is to split the enemy formation and prevent reconstitution of the defence.

Key characteristics of a breakthrough:

• Combat power is concentrated at a decisive point.
• Initial penetration is followed by rapid exploitation.
• Enemy formations are split or isolated.
• Momentum is maintained to prevent line restoration.

Breakthrough operations are most effective when follow‑on forces can exploit success faster than the enemy can react.