Air Power Development Centre #29: The Future Relevance Of Smaller Air Forces (2009)
 
All air forces are facing challenges caused by the current geo-political and economic environment and are trying to optimise their organisations and operations to better meet national security requirements while continuing to field new capabilities.. Smaller air forces—those that have balanced capabilities, but are limited in their depth (size and capacity)—are the most affected by the downturn in resource availability. Further, the challenges to security have forced nations to realign their national security policies that in turn make it necessary for air forces to also reappraise their strategies. For example, there is an increasing focus on air power’s role in irregular warfare and an increasing emphasis on network enablement. This paper has a future focus and enumerates the challenges that air forces will encounter in the medium-term future. It then suggests the future direction that smaller air forces must take to continue as relevant components within the broader national security environment. I trust that this paper will be a stimulating read for all those interested in air power and national security issues.
 
Soft Cover
28 Pages
In Fair to Good Condition