Before talking about strategic targets, you have to
contextualise the conflict. Different conflicts = different
targets.
In this case, i'll evaluate a balanced conflict between
neighbouring powers, meaning that both sides are equally
susceptible to whatever strategies are in place.
Within this context, the first target in a preemptive strike would
be the anti-air and retaliatory capabilities. How are you going to
take down anything (comm/logistics/hardware) before removing the
defences ? And even if you Could take down the infrastructure, what
you wouldnt want is a full scale retaliation on your
territory.
One example here could be operation desert storm. Alot of initial
coalition targets included SAM/AA sites, SCUD launchers and ground
based fighter aircraft. The fact that they successfully obliterated
the Iraqi defences/long range retaliation capabilities allowed for
their subsequent air superiority.
So think about this. A country without long range weapons systems,
without air strike capability, without air defence capability. So
what if they have communications ? By the time they get their
ground/naval forces anywhere within striking distance, their
infrastructure (including communications) would have been pounded
to the ground by enemy air power.
And what does that leave ? Afew army groups and naval flotillas in
the middle of enemy territory with no communications and
coordination = many dead soldiers.
