Airlift and U.S. National Security: The Case for the C-17
Abstract
The United States Air Force is convinced of the vital importance of airlift to future U.S. national security--and of the essential need for the C-17 to preserve and enhance airlift capability. Airlift is a national asset is peacetime, in crisis, and in war. In the wake of recent dramatic international developments, the Air Force has reassessed its role in the evolving security environment. While the probability of global war with the Soviet Union has diminished considerably, the easing of Cold War tensions does not equate to the emergence of a tranquil world. The future world will likely witness fast-brewing crises erupting in unpredictable locations--crises caused by well-armed individual states working their own agendas. While not all such crises will threaten vital U.S. interests, some--like the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait-- certainly will. U.S. forces must be able to provide a rapid, tailored response with a capability to intervene against a well-equipped foe, hit hard, and terminate quickly. The implication for U.S. forces is for fast, agile, modernized conventional capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA235693