USE OR NON USE OF AIRPOWER IN UKRAINE WAR

 

A comprehensive discussion on the subject

 

 

Issues discussed and links for selective viewing

 

• Perspective (Upto 05:00).
  • Understanding Air Power
  • Disparity between Russia and Ukraine Air Force
  • Russian Aims and Objectives.
  • Truth as first Casualty: Claims and counter claims.

 

• Use / Non Use of Air Power by Russia (05:19 to 16:55).
  • Initial Assault.
  • Deliberate Restraint & Delicate Approach.
  • Russian Strategy.
  • Need based escalation – may spread towards west in future.
  • Targeting for messaging and display of intent.

 

• Use of Air Power by Ukraine (16:55 to 24:40).
  • Air Defence Centric.
  • Urban Gorilla Warfare.
  • War of Attrition.

 

• Info Warfare (24:40 to 32:05).
  • Two Narratives.
  • West dominating the media war.
  • Russia showing restraint.
  • Propaganda at its best. 

 

• Air Superiority (32:05 to 40:45).
  • Most misunderstood term.
  • Distorted due to one sided air wars of USA.
  • Air Supremacy / Air Superiority / Favourable Air Situation.
  • Degree depending on area, duration and extent.

 

• No Fly Zone (40:45 to 47:40)
  • Easier said then done. 
  • Needs where with all and will to implement.
  • Western Reluctance.
  • What if Russia declares NFZ (Specially in Western Ukraine).

 

• Russian equipment in Indian Military (47:40 to 54:25).
  • Extent of Russian military equipment.
  • Dealings with both Russia and Ukraine.
  • Disruptions in supply chain.
  • Effect on S-400 Delivery.
  • Effect of Sanctions.
  • Fighting philosophy with Russian equipment under question.

 

• Broader Security Lessons (54:25 to 01:02:25)
  • Whole of Government approach
  • Collective Security.
  • Interoperability
  • Interests of Diaspora.
  • Media, Cyber and Nuclear dimensions.
  • Atmanirbharta.

 

• Lessons related to warfare (01:03:55 to 01:08:10).
  • Clearly defined Aims and Objectives.
  • Importance of Morale, Training and Tactics.
  • Info warfare
  • Importance of Deterrence and Strategic Coercion.
  • Legitimacy and World Opinion.
  • Joint Warfare.
  • Importance of ISR and Int Sharing

 

• Lessons related to Air Power(01:08:10 Onwards)
  • Offensive Nature.
  • Effect based Operations.
  • All weather day and night capability.
  • No Fly Zones.
  • Importance of Stand off and Precision Capability.
  • Vulnerability of Air borne / Heli Borne  Operations.

 

Random Thoughts

Winner in these wars is the defence Industry.

 

Question

When and how will this war end?

 

Coming Up: Likely End State and Long Term repercussions.

 

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

 

For regular updates, please register here

Subscribe

 

References and credits

To all the online news channels.