How to Employ Airpower on the Battlefield
Abstract
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) must know how best to employ airpower in support of the land battle in any future conflict. Several historical examples demonstrate the efficiency of battlefield air interdiction (BAI) over close air support (CAS). Difficulties inherent in CAS are severely aggravated by the presence of sophisticated air defense weapon systems in the modern battlefield. The USAF is already moving away from dedicated CAS aircraft in favor of the more capable multi-role A-16 to meet the challenges of the future battlefield. Also, the nature of the terrain in the RSAF's operational environment complicates the conduct of CAS missions, while offering excellent opportunities for pursuing BAI campaigns. Furthermore, employing airpower in the BAI role comes out superior to CAS when analyzed from the perspective of the principles of war. RSAF doctrine should make battlefield air interdiction the main role of tactical airpower in supporting the land battle, since it enables the most effective employment of airpower. Close air support should be relegated to an emergency role, because of the inherent difficulty of attacking enemy targets in close contact with friendly forces, particularly in a high air defense threat environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA241151
Entities
People
- Allan F. Chua
Organizations
- Air War College