Presenting the debut article of the "Skies of the Far East" series: "Mastery of Airpower Theory." This series endeavours to chronicle the development of airpower in East Asia, delving from the World Wars to the present day. Each instalments will delve into the historical milestones, strategic shifts, and technological advancements that have shaped the region's aerial landscape, offering comprehensive insights into the past, present, and future of airpower dynamics in East Asia.
What is Airpower?
In an era where the boundaries between airspace and space are becoming increasingly blurred, let's set aside the scholarly debate on the precise definition of airpower. At its most fundamental level, airpower can be understood as the capability to both defend and attack utilizing aircraft. As we navigate the evolving landscape of aerospace technologies and capabilities, this foundational understanding of airpower remains pivotal in shaping our approach to defence, security, and global affairs.
Airpower has four roles to play in an event of war. These are,
1. Control of the Air
Establishing air superiority in a designated theatre of war entails achieving unchallenged control over the airspace, allowing for the unhindered deployment of aircraft to carry out a range of operations such as attack, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and mobility activities. This control also involves denying enemy air force operations within the same airspace. In simpler terms, air superiority means having undisputed dominance in the skies, enabling friendly forces to operate freely while restricting the movements and capabilities of enemy aircraft.
The advancement of weaponry has complicated the establishment of air superiority, moving beyond traditional dogfights to encompass threats from ground-based anti-aircraft fire. Today, air superiority can be contested by adversaries without the need for deploying aircraft. This was evident during the Vietnam War, where despite the USAF's assertion of complete air superiority over Vietnamese airspace, they suffered the loss of 97% of their aircraft (including fighter planes and attack helicopters) to ground fire from the enemy.
Air superiority can be attained through either direct or indirect methods. In direct attacks, both airborne and ground-based enemy aircraft are targeted to eliminate their capacity for retaliation. Conversely, indirect attacks focus on critical infrastructure directly linked to the air force, such as logistical bases, airstrips, fuel depots, and other key installations. By destroying these vital components, the adversary's air force is deprived of necessary supplies and operational facilities. Rendering airstrips unusable and disrupting fuel supplies effectively neutralizes the enemy's ability to sustain air operations during military engagements.
2. Intelligence and awareness
The function of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) is multifaceted, aiming to locate the enemy, collect information on adversary field formations, and gather data regarding targeting parameters at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The ISR capability within airpower is directly correlated to the distinctive qualities of airpower, including ubiquity, altitude, reach, and speed of aircraft.
ISR assets, such as reconnaissance planes, drones, and surveillance satellites, leverage the inherent advantages of airpower to provide comprehensive coverage and timely intelligence across vast geographical areas. These assets can operate at high altitudes, offering broad perspectives and enhanced visibility of enemy activities. The speed and reach of aircraft enable ISR missions to be conducted swiftly and over extended distances, facilitating real-time data collection and analysis for decision-makers at various command levels.
By leveraging the unique qualities of airpower, ISR capabilities play a pivotal role in enhancing situational awareness, facilitating precision targeting, and supporting effective operational planning and execution across the spectrum of military operations.
3. Attack
After achieving absolute air superiority and acquiring adequate intelligence on the enemy, it is time to leverage this controlled airspace to shape the course of the war. This involves the use of ordnance against land and naval targets within the restricted theatre. There are three primary forms of attacks: Close Air Support (CAS) at the tactical level, interdiction at the operational level, and strategic bombing at the strategic level.
In CAS, air attacks are conducted to support friendly ground forces by hindering enemy movements on the ground. This approach carries the risk of friendly fire incidents and potential disagreements between ground commanders and pilots operating at the tactical level.
Interdiction involves coordinated attacks aimed at isolating enemy forces from supplies and reinforcements. This strategy seeks to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supply lines en route to the battle area. Successful interdiction missions rely heavily on robust intelligence about the terrain and critical points of interest.
In strategic bombing, following the concept of Warden's Rings, leadership command and control facilities are targeted at the core of the ring. Aircraft can directly penetrate the core by bypassing the outer rings, which consist of field forces, civilian populations, critical infrastructure, and industries. Strategic bombing campaigns have the potential to decisively influence the outcome of the war by eliminating the enemy's command structure directly.
4. Mobility
Absolutely, within airpower, mobility involves leveraging aircraft to transport troops, equipment, and supplies within operational areas. This encompasses critical components such as strategic airlifts, air-to-air refueling, and medical evacuation (Medevac). By facilitating these operations, airpower significantly enhances the mobility, flexibility, and effectiveness of military forces in the field. This enables swift responses to operational demands and successful accomplishment of mission objectives.
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