Category: Airpower

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Aspects Related to Long-Drawn Air War

 

Air war endurance, also known as sustainability in aerial warfare, refers to the ability of an air force or a nation’s air power to sustain prolonged operations and maintain a high level of combat effectiveness over an extended period.

 

Operational Tempo and Intensity. Tempo is the rate at which military power is applied in an efficient manner across part or the entire area of operations. The level of preparation required by the defence forces is determined by the combination of the expected duration of the war and the likely tempo/intensity of operations. Several key factors contribute to air war endurance and affect the duration, effectiveness, and efficiency of air campaigns.

 

Capability and Capacity Development

 

Capability vis-à-vis Capacity. Warfighting capabilities and the capacity to sustain operations are both essential.

 

Aircraft Type and Capability. The type of aircraft being used, their capabilities, payload capacity, and mission versatility significantly affect how effectively and efficiently air operations can be sustained.

 

Diverse Inventory. Indian military air assets have a very diverse inventory of platforms, systems, and weapons.

 

Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Efficient and reliable logistics networks and supply chains are crucial for providing fuel, ammunition, weapons, spare parts, other critical supplies, and resources to sustain aircraft operations.

 

Maintenance and Repair Capabilities. Efficient maintenance operations are essential to ensure the continued availability of air assets for extended periods.

 

Fuel Availability and Consumption. The energy supply chain is the first casualty in any war. Efficient fuel management plays a crucial role in prolonged air operations.

 

Training and Personnel Readiness. Intangible factors like morale, training and tactics are very important for military success and more so in long wars.

 

Protection of Air War Endurance Enablers. This aspect has pronounced relevance in long-drawn wars.

 

Decision Making & Situational Awareness. In long-drawn wars, it is even essential to make the right decisions. The three most important contributing factors are a high degree of situational awareness, a robust and fast, network system for information sharing, and AI-based decision support systems.

 

Unmanned Platforms. The use of unmanned platforms and systems is growing in warfare. Drones of various sizes and capabilities are taking over the tasks of conventional platforms.

 

Employment Philosophy and Airpower Application

 

Clearly Defined Objectives. A clear and practical definition of objectives, at all levels i.e. political, military and air force levels is very important.

 

Integrated Conceptualization and planning.  Warfare has become multidomain in nature, and to optimise resource utilisation, integration of all capabilities is necessary at conceptual and strategic levels.

 

Strategic Planning, Adaptability and Flexibility. In long wars, strategic plans need to allow for adjustments and adaptability in response to changing circumstances or unexpected events during a prolonged air war.

 

Grey Zone Operations/No War No Peace Situations. Grey zone operations are operations in the contested arena somewhere between routine statecraft and open warfare.  These are becoming a norm in modern-day warfare.

 

Airpower Application Strategy. Well-thought-out strategy would have to be employed for the application of Airpower. Relevant aspects would be as follows:-

 

      • Effect-based operations.

 

      • Selective dominance.

 

      • Conservative risk-taking profile.

 

      • Networked air environment.

 

      • Precision and Stand-off capabilities. 

 

      • Sortie generation rate.

 

Larger Vital Aspects

 

Indigenous Defence Industry. Self-reliance is an absolute necessity in long-drawn wars.

 

Infrastructure. Adequate infrastructure is essential to increase the war endurance.

 

Resource Management and Sustainability. Long wars necessitate effective management of available resources, budget, and personnel to sustain a prolonged air campaign without running into shortages or burnout.

 

Economic Sanctions. The effect of the sanctions especially on air war, needs to be factored into the long-term plans.

 

Collective Security. Collaboration and sharing resources with allied nations or coalition partners can extend the endurance of air operations by pooling together expertise, assets, and capabilities.

 

Future Investments. Suggested future investments for the Indian Aerospace power are as follows:-

 

      • Future Technology. Air Force is a technology-intensive service and converting technology into capability is a time-consuming process.

 

      • Loyal Wing Man Concept. The thought process for the next generation of platforms is to harness the advantages of both.

 

      • Hypersonic Weapons. The development of hypersonic weapons is likely to have a significant impact on air strategy.

 

      • New Domains of Warfare. The domains like cyber, space, electronics and information have come into the influence of warfare. China’s formation of a Joint Strategic Support Force (JSSF) as a separate service, with defensive and offensive capabilities, in above mentioned four domains, indicates future challenges. Reorientation is required to deal with these changes.

 

      • Space-Based Capabilities. Space-based systems are becoming increasingly important in air warfare, providing capabilities such as navigation, targeting, communication, early warning of missile launches and space-based surveillance.

 

Coming UP: Detailed article on the subject

 

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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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WAR ENDURANCE

 

War endurance refers to the ability of a nation, military, or individuals to withstand and persist through the challenges, hardships, and demands of war over an extended period. War endurance is a critical factor in determining the outcome of conflicts. Historically, nations and entities with higher levels of endurance have often prevailed in prolonged conflicts, demonstrating the importance of preparation, resilience, and adaptability in times of war. War endurance is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors including physical and psychological endurance, resource availability and logistical endurance. A successful balance and effective management of these factors are crucial for a nation or entity to endure a war and sustain its efforts over an extended period.

 

War Endurance: Military Factors. Some of the military factors that have a direct bearing on the war endurance are as follows:-

 

  • Military Strength and Capability. A well-equipped and well-trained military with adequate manpower and technological advancements significantly contributes to war endurance.

 

  • Logistical Efficiency. Efficient supply lines and logistics are critical for maintaining the military’s operations, ensuring a continuous flow of resources and support to the front lines.

 

  • Resilience and Determination: The mental resilience, determination, and psychological preparedness of both the military and civilian population to face the hardships and horrors of war are fundamental for endurance.

 

  • Adaptability and Flexibility. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and strategies during a prolonged conflict is essential for maintaining a sustainable effort.

 

  • Alliance and Support. The presence of strong alliances and international support can provide a morale boost, military assistance, and economic aid, enhancing a nation’s ability to endure a war.

 

  • Geographic Terrain. The geographical landscape can influence war endurance, as difficult terrains can make military operations more challenging and impact resource accessibility.

 

  • Technological Advancements. Utilizing advanced technologies in warfare can improve military efficiency, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning, potentially enhancing war endurance.

 

Russia-Ukraine War: Aspects Related to War Endurance

 

Russia – Ukraine war is well into the second year, with no end in sight. It began as a special military operation and became a long-drawn affair. The war has brought into focus numerous issues related to the duration of wars and war endurance.

 

  • Possibly, the Russian intention was to carry out a swift military operation and make a regime change in Ukraine. It did not succeed due to the interplay of several dynamics. The intention may be for short and swift conflict, but one can’t really control it.

 

  • One of the officially stated Russian objectives was the “demilitarisation of Ukraine”. Russians attacked Ukrainian military bases and selective defence industry, considerably reducing the Ukrainian combat potential. The war-waging enablers need to be protected.

 

  • After the high intensity of the operations initially, the tempo of the war has been wavering.

 

  • The use or non-use of full military power especially airpower by Russia is intriguing to the strategic community and military analysts. The calibrated approach to preserve military assets is essential in long-duration wars.

 

  • Ukraine does not have the capability to endure such a long war. Outside support from the USA and other European states, is enabling it to sustain the conflict.

 

  • Harsh sanctions have been imposed on Russia. The sanctions do not deter aggression but their effect has to be catered for in the planning.

 

  • No contact warfare philosophy is being used by both sides. The LR vectors and drones are being used by Ukraine for retaliatory strikes and by Russians for punitive reasons. Even in the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict the drones played a decisive role.

 

Coming Up: Air War Endurance.

 

Bottom Line

War endurance is a combination of  duration and tempo of operations.

 

 

Question

Should Indian Military prepare for a short and swift war or a long drawn conflict?

 

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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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US REPORT ON CHINA 2023: EXCERPTS PLAAF

 

PEOPLE’S LIBERATION ARMY AIR FORCE (PLAAF) AND PLAN AVIATION

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • The PLAAF and PLAN Aviation together constitute the largest aviation force in the Indo- Pacific region.

 

  • The PLAAF is rapidly catching up to Western air forces. The PLAAF continues to modernize with the delivery of domestically built aircraft and a wide range of UASs.

 

  • In October 2019, the PRC signaled the return of the airborne leg of its nuclear triad after the PLAAF publicly revealed the H-6N as its first nuclear-capable air-to-air refuelable bomber.

 

Detailed explanation of aspects summarised as takeaways above

 

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN Aviation together constitute the largest aviation forces in the region and the third largest in the world, with over 3,150 total aircraft (not including trainer variants or UASs) of which approximately 2,400 are combat aircraft (including fighters, strategic bombers, tactical bombers, multi-mission tactical, and attack aircraft). The PLAAF’s role is to serve as a comprehensive strategic air force capable of long-range airpower projection. The PRC’s 2019 defense white paper described the PLAAF’s missions and tasks as transitioning from territorial air defense to “offensive and defensive operations.” In 2021, General Chang Dingqiu assumed the post of PLAAF commander and continued to enact PLAAF reforms to improve the force’s ability to accomplish joint warfighting tasks. The PLAAF is rapidly catching up to Western air forces. This trend is gradually eroding longstanding and significant U.S. military technical advantages vis-à-vis the PRC in the air domain.

 

The CMC’s intent is to transform the PLAAF into a more effective and capable force that is proficient at conducting joint operations. The PLAAF is comprised of aviation, airborne, air defense, radar, electronic countermeasure, and communications forces. Amid the wide-ranging reorganization of the PLA, the PLAAF has reorganized into five Theater Command Air Forces, established at least six new air bases, and restructured previously subordinate regiments into brigades under the new bases by disbanding its fighter and fighter-bomber divisions.

 

Fighters. The PLAAF and PLAN Aviation continue to field greater numbers of fourth-generation aircraft (now more than 1,300 of 1,900 total fighters, not including trainers) and probably will become a majority fourth-generation force within the next several years. For fifth-generation fighters, the PLAAF has operationally fielded its new J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter, and PRC social media revealed a new 2-seat variant of the J-20 in October 2021. The PLAAF is preparing upgrades for the J-20, which may include increasing the number of air-to-air missiles (AAM) the fighter can carry in its low-observable configuration, installing thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, and adding super cruise capability by installing higher-thrust indigenous WS-15 engines. Development continues on the smaller FC-31/J-31 for export or as a future naval fighter for the PLAN’s next class of aircraft carriers.

 

Bombers. The PRC’s bomber force is currently composed of H-6 Badger variants, which are domestically produced versions of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 (Badger) bomber. Despite the relative age of its bomber force, the PLAAF has worked to maintain and enhance the operational effectiveness of these aircraft. In recent years, the PRC has fielded greater numbers of the H-6K, a modernized H-6 variant that integrates standoff weapons and features more-efficient turbofan engines for extended-range. The H-6K can carry six LACMs, giving the PLA a long-range standoff precision strike capability that can range targets in the Second Island Chain from home airfields in mainland China. PLAN Aviation has traditionally fielded the H-6G to support maritime missions. More recently, PLAN Aviation has begun operating the H-6J, a maritime strike version of the H- 6K with six weapons pylons for ASCMs. This aircraft carries six supersonic long-range YJ-12 ASCMs and can attack warships out to the Second Island Chain.

 

During the PRC’s 70th anniversary parade in 2019, the PLAAF publicly revealed the H-6N, a derivative of the H-6K optimized for long-range strikes. The H-6N features a modified fuselage that allows it to carry externally an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) that may be nuclear capable. In October 2020, an H-6N was observed carrying an air-launched ballistic missile. The H-6N’s air-to-air refueling capability also provides it greater reach over other H-6 variants that are not refuelable in air. In 2020, the PLAAF operationally fielded the H-6N bomber, providing a platform for the air component of the PRC’s nascent nuclear triad. The H-6N-equipped unit very likely is developing tactics and procedures to conduct the PLAAF nuclear mission. In addition, the PLAAF is seeking to extend its power projection capability with the development of a new H- 20 stealth strategic bomber, with official PRC state media stating that this new stealth bomber will have a nuclear mission in addition to filling conventional roles. The PLAAF is also developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets. PLAAF leaders publicly announced the program in 2016; however, it may take more than a decade to develop this type of advanced bomber.

 

Special Mission Aircraft. In 2019, the PLAAF publicly debuted its new Y-9 communications jamming/electronic countermeasures aircraft (known as the GX-11). This aircraft is designed to disrupt an adversary’s battlespace awareness at long ranges. The PLA can conduct air-to-air refueling operations to extend the ranges of its fighter and bomber aircraft equipped with refueling probes using the H-6U, a modified tanker variant of the H-6 bomber, as well as a small number of larger IL-78 Midas. In addition, the PRC is developing a tanker variant of its Y-20 heavy-lift transport, which will enable the PLAAF to expand its tanker fleet and improve the PLAAF’s ability to operate beyond the FIC from bases in mainland China.

 

Production and deliveries of the KJ-500—the PRC’s most advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft—continued at a rapid pace, joining earlier KJ-2000 Mainring and KJ- 200 Moth variants. These aircraft amplify PLAAF’s ability to detect, track, and target threats in varying conditions, in larger volumes, and at greater distances, It also extends the range of the PLA’s integrated air defense system (IADS) network. Furthermore, the PRC has produced at least one KJ-500 with an aerial refueling probe, which will improve the aircraft’s ability to provide persistent AEW&C coverage.

 

The PRC’s aviation industry continues to advance with deliveries of its domestic Y-20 large transport aircraft and completion of the world’s largest seaplane, the AG600. These transports will supplement and eventually replace the PRC’s small fleet of strategic airlift assets, which to date, consists of a limited number of Russian-made IL-76 aircraft. These large transports are intended to support airborne C2, logistics, paradrop, aerial refueling, and strategic reconnaissance operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) missions.

 

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). The PRC continues its comprehensive UAS modernization efforts, highlighted by the routine appearance of increasingly sophisticated systems across theater and echelon levels. The last three years have seen several key milestones. These include the airshow display and operational appearance of the Xianglong jet-powered UAS, as well as the unveiling of both the supersonic WZ-8 UAS and a redesigned version of the GJ-11 stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV). The PLA also continues the maritime use of ISR UASs, featuring both the venerable BZK-005 and the newer TW-328/TB001. The PRC is also expanding the applications of large UASs by demonstrating uses including disaster communications, anti- submarine roles, firefighting, and weather modification. Advanced small UASs are increasingly appearing in both military and civilian applications, with Chinese industry remaining a key exporter of UASs and components of all sizes.

 

In addition to maturing their current capabilities, the PRC is also signaling its efforts in next generation capabilities. Air and trade shows are displaying growing numbers of autonomous and teaming systems, including for combat applications. In these concepts, Chinese developers are demonstrating an interest in additional growth beyond ISR and EW into both air-to-air and air-to- ground combat, with a substantial amount of development displaying efforts to produce swarming capability for operational applications.

 

Air and Missile Defense. The PLAAF possesses one of the largest forces of advanced long-range SAM systems in the world, composed of Russian-sourced SA-20 (S-300) battalions and domestically produced CSA-9 (HQ-9) and follow-on HQ-9b battalions. To improve its strategic long-range air defenses, in 2019 the PRC acquired the SA-21 (S-400) SAM system from Russia. The PRC is also developing its indigenous CH-AB-X-02 (HQ-19), which will likely have a ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability. The PRC is also developing kinetic-kill vehicle technology to field a mid-course interceptor, which will form the upper layer of a multi-tiered missile defense. The PLA conducted a test of a land-based mid-course interceptor on February 4th, 2021.

 

COMING UP: DETAILED ANALYSIS WITH INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

 

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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.