noun
preventive attack; preemptive strike
Military term for an attack launched to prevent an anticipated enemy attack.
その国は予防攻撃の可能性を警告した。
The country warned of the possibility of a preemptive strike.
先制攻撃 also means a preemptive strike, but 予防攻撃 emphasizes the preventive aspect against a perceived future threat, while 先制攻撃 focuses on striking first in a conflict.
Compound of 予防 (prevention) and 攻撃 (attack).