Air Power Development Centre #19: Future Employment Of Small Air Forces (2005) By Sanu Kainikara
 
Air forces all over the world are grappling with the increasing cost of acquiring and maintaining a baseline level of air power capability. The pace of change in the international geo-political and security environment has further complicated this process. In order to be relevant in the pursuit of national security goals, air forces must take into account their intrinsic capabilities and their ability to support the larger national interest. Air forces need to be sufficiently adaptable to keep up with the pace of change, and be innovative in transforming their capabilities to ensure that they are able to harness the inherent characteristics of air power. This is especially true for small air forces. This paper examines the significant characteristics of air power vis-à-vis the emerging threat trends and then suggests a possible way for future employment of small air forces. It suggests an employment methodology that is tailored, yet sufficiently adaptable to achieve battle space superiority and allied effects that are necessary in the future threat environment. The paper contends that the changing nature of war and therefore the application of military force necessitates the development of innovative employment concepts for military forces to be effective. This has special significance in the case of small forces. This paper will add to the ongoing debate regarding the best way to employ air power in support of the government’s security initiatives.
 
Soft Cover
35 Pages
In Fair to Good Condition