Air Interdiction: Lessons from Past Campaigns,
Abstract
In September 1980 The Rand Corporation undertook a one-year study for the Director of Special Regional Studies in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Program Analysis and Evaluation) on air interdiction in the Middle East. The main objective of that study was to determine the potential capabilities of U.S. aircraft to interdict invading ground forces. The results would identify effective aircraft, weapon systems, and concepts of operation. They would be useful in assessing the feasibility of alternative strategies for military operations in the Middle East and in suggesting ways to improve U.S. air interdiction capabilities. This Note presents the results of supporting research on air interdiction in World War 2, the Korean War, and the war in Southeast Asia. It outlines the lessons that can be learned from experience with air interdiction of ground-force operations, and suggests a number of factors that should be considered in planning and conducting an interdiction campaign. This Note should be useful to those in the Department of Defense who are concerned with the development of plans and capabilities for air interdiction in third-area contingencies that might occur in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA113929
Entities
People
- Edmund Dews
- Felix Kozaczka
Organizations
- RAND Corporation