The "Capabilities Gap" in Desert Storm: A Coalition Air Campaign Case Study

Abstract

This study examines how the differing capabilities among the coalition air forces affected the Desert Storm air campaign. The author initially compares coalition air forces using several areas identified as capability gaps during NATO's air war against Yugoslavia. Rather than clear-cut distinctions, the Gulf War US-led coalition represented more of a continuum in air combat capability. Next the air war is reviewed to determine how these capability differences affected the planning, execution, and attainment of coalition air campaign objectives. Although in the macro sense capability gaps did not seem to hinder the achievement of objectives, several contextual elements mitigated not only their effects but also the perception of those effects. Finally, the study recommends one possible framework for conducting future coalition air campaigns based on the Desert Storm experience.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA407849

Entities

People

  • Frank J. Rossi

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Anti-Radiation Missiles
  • Bombing
  • Command And Control
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Laser Guidance
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies