Article published in the inaugural issue of “Blue Yonder”, a Journal published by the Centre for Air Power Studies.
Peculiarity: There are no references (except from the quote below), and it has been written drawing from own experiences and impressions.
“Strategy is a broad concept, embracing an objective, resources, and a plan for using those resources to achieve the objective”.
– William P. Snyder
Introduction
Aerospace power is a decisive factor and a game-changer in any war. The application of aerospace power, although looks simple but is a complex process. Major roles of Aerospace power during war include shaping the environment, offensive force application, and synergising the operations with surface forces.
Resources influence strategy, especially at the strategic and operational levels. Air Resources are costly and generally limited. The availability of resources depends upon factors like cost, affordability, and national objectives and priorities. A superpower like the USA has adequate air resources to distribute them among all the services (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines) and all the theatres (covering the entire Globe). Others have to manage with whatever they have and can afford.
The problem becomes accentuated when a nation faces more than one enemy, individually or collusively, and on multiple fronts. In such a scenario one does not have the luxury of keeping the air assets idle, and they have to be utilised optimally to achieve the desired objectives. Innovative strategies need to be devised for the effective utilisation of assets in such situations.
Aerospace Power Strategies.
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