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Pic : Courtesy Internet<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n War is the most complex of human endeavours. It is baffling and intriguing. It is complex, demanding, and requires careful thought and cool execution.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The compelling task of the commander is to translate national war objectives into tactical plans at the operational level.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Four levels of war:-<\/span><\/p>\n (As you go up the ladder, the ambiguity increases).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mastery of the operational level strategy is a key to winning wars.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n An air force inferior in numbers must fight better and smarter.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is an art to identify the enemy’s Centre of Gravity (COG \u2013 a point where the enemy is vulnerable and where the application of force is most decisive).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Offensive Approach<\/u>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Defensive Approach.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adopted approach<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The approach to be adopted depends upon factors like political will, objectives, doctrinal guidance, own vis-\u00e0-vis enemy capability, and the force disparity (numerical and qualitative superiority are major factors).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anticipate and predict enemy reactions and plans. Study the enemy psyche and categorise it (rational, irrational, fanatic, rigid, flexible, independent, innovative, determined etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Enemy SWOT analysis and intelligence analysis are important to decide on the approach (Consider factors like Aircraft numbers and quality, weapons, training, network, combat support platforms, sensors, ability to absorb losses, vulnerabilities etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A periodic review is required to decide on the continuation of the approach.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If enemy AD is strong \u2013 avoid it till you can punch holes in it and create blind zones.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If air combat capability is better than draw the enemy out.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keep in mind<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Planning considerations<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Air Superiority<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is a necessity. Air or Ground campaigns cannot succeed unless a certain degree of air superiority is achieved.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Air superiority by itself doesn\u2019t guarantee victory.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Destroying the enemy aircraft is not the only way of achieving it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Destroying enemy aircraft in the air is the most difficult and costly approach (it is easier to destroy them on the ground).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It can also be achieved by attacking the enemy bases – heavyweight of attack and revisits are required.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It can be achieved by targeting resources like fuel, and human resources (crew and pilots).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It can also be achieved by attacking production houses and supply chains.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Enemy command and control centres are also possible targets towards this aim.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Interdiction \/ Battlefield Strikes<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Interdiction is as old and important as war itself \u2013 Airpower has added a new dimension to it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is a powerful, important and effective tool in the hands of commanders and planners.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Airpower should not be seen as airborne artillery \u2013 Airpower should generally be used for targets beyond the range of ground weapons (artillery).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Art is to decide what to and where to interdict between the source and the destination.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Choice of the platform depends on the degree of air control and enemy air defence capability and weapons \u2013 the vulnerability of fixed-wing combat support aircraft, helicopters and unmanned platforms (Drones) is high in contested airspace.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suggestions and value additions are most welcome<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n For regular updates, please register here:-<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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