Month: April 2023

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DOCTRINAL EVOLUTION: IAF

 

Doctrine. A doctrine is a body of principles, beliefs, statements of policy, and teachings. From a military standpoint, a doctrine defines what a Service is all about, from its structures, war-fighting principles, and the way it conducts business.

 

Strategy. Strategy refers to the overarching plan or approach that is developed to achieve a particular objective. It involves making decisions about how resources will be allocated, which objectives will be pursued, and what overall approach will be taken. Strategy is typically developed at the highest levels of command and is focused on achieving long-term goals.

 

Tactics. Tactics, on the other hand, are the specific actions that are taken to execute a strategy. Tactics involve the detailed planning and execution of specific operations or manoeuvres, such as the movement of troops, the use of weapons systems, or the deployment of specialized units. Tactics are typically developed by commanders at the operational or tactical level and are focused on achieving short-term goals.

 

Strategy vis-à-vis Tactics. In military operations, strategy and tactics are interdependent and must be carefully coordinated to achieve success. A good strategy must take into account the tactical realities on the ground, while effective tactics must be consistent with the overall strategic objectives. Effective coordination between strategic and tactical levels of command is essential for achieving success in military operations.

 

 

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STRATEGY

 

 

Strategy is a broad concept, embracing an objective, resources, and a plan for using those resources to achieve the objective.

 —William P. Snyder

 

Strategy.  is a process that an organization employs to achieve specific goals or objectives. It is a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, often in a challenging environment. It can be defined as a careful plan of action or method.  The strategy typically involves analysing the current situation, identifying opportunities and challenges, setting specific goals, defining the resources required, determining the steps to be taken, and monitoring progress along the way. Effective strategies require careful planning, execution, and adaptation based on changing circumstances. Ultimately, a successful strategy should help an organization achieve its objectives and maintain a competitive advantage.

 

Military Strategy. Military strategy refers to the art and science of planning and directing military operations and campaigns. It involves the development of plans and tactics for the use of military force in achieving specific objectives, whether in a single battle or a larger campaign. Military strategy is based on the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both one’s own forces and those of the enemy, as well as the political and social context of the conflict. The military strategy typically involves a number of components, including, objectives, force structure, and deployment, logistics, tactics, intelligence, communications, risk assessment, etc. Effective military strategy requires careful planning and execution, as well as flexibility and adaptation based on changing circumstances. Successful military leaders must be able to think creatively, make quick decisions under pressure, and inspire and motivate their troops to achieve their objectives.

 

Air Warfare Strategy. Air warfare strategy is the art of planning and directing the overall air operations.  Air warfare strategy typically involves a number of key campaigns like offensive counter-air to achieve the desired degree of control of the air, defensive counter-air for protection, Strategic air operations, force application to shape the battlefield, Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare, etc. Effective air warfare strategy requires the integration of these components into a cohesive plan that can be executed efficiently and effectively.  Air warfare strategy also requires careful consideration of the risks involved, including the possibility of collateral damage and the potential for escalation of the conflict.

 

Factors Influencing Air Strategy. There are several factors that dictate air strategy. Effective air strategy requires careful consideration of these factors, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. These factors include:

 

  • Military objectives: The overall objectives of the military campaign or operation will determine the specific tasks that airpower needs to be accomplished.

 

  • Available resources: The number and types of aircraft, weapons systems, and other resources available will dictate the scope and nature of the air campaign.

 

  • Enemy capabilities: The capabilities of the enemy’s air defence systems, fighter aircraft, and other weapons will influence the tactics and strategies used to carry out air operations.

 

  • Geographic Factors: The terrain, weather conditions, and other geographic factors can impact the effectiveness of air operations, such as visibility, range, and access to targets.

 

  • Political Considerations: Political factors, such as the potential impact on civilians, international relations, and public opinion, can also influence air strategy.

 

  • Technological Advances: Advances in technology, such as new aircraft, weapons systems, and communications technologies, can provide new opportunities and challenges for air operations.

 

  • Human Factors: The skills, training, and experience of aircrew and ground personnel, as well as their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, can also play a significant role in air strategy.

 

“Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy’s army without battle. They conquer by strategy.”

― Sun Tzu

 

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References and credits

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Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.

 

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News and Views: China (Salami & Cabbage Strategy)

News:

China is employing the strategy of salami-slicing in the South China Sea, and it limits the options of the peripheral countries by baffling their plans, making it problematic for them to develop a response.

 

Views:

  • Salami slicing, rather than overt aggression, is China’s preferred strategy in a well-planned and methodical manner to gain strategic advantage through a steady progression of small actions.
  • The term ‘salami slicing’ was coined by Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling.
  • It describes a strategy in the military that oversteps boundaries and offers an attractive option for expansionist powers.
  • The basic notion is to gain ground slice by slice rather than all at once.  These slices over a period of time lead cumulatively to a strategic transformation in China’s favour.

 

News:

There has been an incremental expansion of China’s footprint and control in the South China Sea.

 

Views:

  • China has been following the “cabbage strategy”, to take over control over contested islands.
  • This strategy entailed surrounding a contested island with concentric layers of Chinese fishing boats, fishing administration ships, maritime enforcement ships, and warships such that the island is wrapped layer by layer like a cabbage.

 

News:

On March 10, 2023, the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) unanimously elected ‘Xi Jinping’ as the President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) for an unprecedented third term. President Xi appointed ‘Li Qiang’ as China’s new Premier.

 

Views:

  • The development is as expected.
  • Will Xi be more aggressive or cool down temporarily?
  • My take is that temporary cooling down would be followed by aggressive behaviour towards the end of the third term i.e. 2027-28.

 

News:

President Xi, in his address to the NPC, stressed upon coordinating development and security for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. Xi also called for adhering to the one-China principle by resolutely opposing Taiwan’s independence separatist forces.

 

Views:

  • The focus continues to be the pursuit of achieving number one status in the world.
  • Expansionist “One China policy” continues to be followed.
  • Taiwan is the next agenda.
  • Frequency and intensity of “military muscle flexing and strategic coercion exercises”  is increasing.
  • When and how will China achieve it?
  • After Taiwan what next?

 

News:

President Xi proposed “Global Civilization Initiative” calling for respecting the diversity of civilizations, advocating common values of humanity, valuing civilizational inheritance and innovations, and jointly advocating robust international people-to-people exchanges.

 

Views:

  • Announcing China’s big role in world affairs.
  • Big words (respect, common values, humanity, values, and jointly, etc) which China doesn’t care about.

 

News:

On March 5, 2023, Li Keqiang delivered a “Report on The Work of the Government” to the NPC. China targeted GDP growth of around 5 percent for 2023, and announced a defence budget of CNY 1.55 trillion (USD 224.79 billion) for 2023, an increase of 7.2 percent over 2022.

 

Views:

  • China’s figures have to be taken with a pinch of salt.
  • Will decoupling slow down China’s growth?
  • Military spending is much more than projected.
  • Military modernisation is progressing according to timelines.

 

News:

On March 7, 2023, in his first major foreign policy statement, Foreign Minister Qin Gang highlighted China’s firm opposition to hegemonism and power politics including the US Indo-Pacific Strategy seeking to create an Asia-Pacific version of NATO.

 

Views:

  • Two axes are emerging.
  • Cold War 2.0 coming up.
  • China is crying wolf about QUAD calling it an Asian NATO.

 

News:

President Xi Jinping visited Moscow from March 20-22, 2023. In a joint statement, the two sides stressed “deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries for a new era”.

 

Views:

  • China-Russia relations are a marriage of convenience.
  • China is happy to be the stronger partner in the relationship with Russia.

 

News:

H.H. The Dalai Lama has named a US-born Mongolian boy the ‘10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche’ – the third highest rank in Tibetan Buddhism, reigniting the larger question of the 14th Dalai Lama’s own reincarnation. China maintains that it will only recognise Buddhist leaders of its own choosing.

 

Views

  • The entire world is waiting for how things will pan out post-Dalai lama.
  • Tibetan activities would continue from exile.
  • China is carrying out the systemic demographic change in Tibet.

 

News:

Six years after the Doklam standoff, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering’s statement that Beijing has an equal say in finding a resolution to the dispute is troubling for New Delhi. India is opposed to China extending its footprint in Doklam as the plateau lies close to the sensitive Siliguri corridor.

 

Views:

  • China has resolved border issues with all except India and Bhutan.
  • It is offering Bhutan a comprehensive package to resolve issues.
  • The package gives them a back door entry into Bhutan.
  • The older generation in Bhutan is very sceptical about China’s intentions, however, the younger generation is willing to experiment, ignoring the plight of other countries that have engaged with China.

 

Your opinion matters

Please share your views and opinion about the following questions:

  • Will Xi be more aggressive or cool down temporarily?
  • When and how will China take control of Taiwan?
  • After Taiwan what next?
  • Will decoupling slow down China’s growth?
  • Future of Tibet post Dalai Lama?

 

For regular updates, please register here

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.