on the offensive

in the position or state of readiness for answering any attack or criticism

The origin of the idiom "on the offensive" dates back to warfare strategies and tactics, particularly during battles and campaigns. It is used to signify a state in which a military force actively engages the enemy, advances, and takes the initiative in attacking the opposing forces rather than being in a defensive or passive posture.

The general ordered the troops to go on the offensive and push into enemy territory to gain control of a strategically important region.
During the battle, the infantry was on the offensive, launching a series of coordinated attacks against enemy positions.
The air force was on the offensive, conducting a series of bombing runs to disrupt the enemy's supply lines.
The navy's aircraft carrier group went on the offensive, deploying fighter jets to establish air superiority in the region.
In response to the enemy's incursion, the military shifted from a defensive stance to being on the offensive, launching a counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory.