Effects of Modern Technology on Airpower and Intelligence Support
Abstract
This paper examines the effects of modern technology, specifically stealth and precision weapons, on air power and the required intelligence support. The paper begins with a short review of the F-117 stealth fighter bomber in Desert Storm. Following that is a brief discussion of the basics of stealth and how the United States develops this technology. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations on both the employment of stealth and precision weapons, and intelligence support. Stealth and precision-guided munitions will play a central role in protecting U.S. interests at a time of tremendous change and instability. The end of the age of containment and superpower nuclear standoff has been replaced by the rise of nationalism, regional and ethnic conflict, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and a continued terrorist threat. The likelihood that U.S. forces will be called upon to defend its interests is high, but the time and place will be difficult to predict. A flexible, long-range projection force, capable of rapidly and precisely delivering conventional weapons against an enemy's most valued assets anywhere on the globe, can help prevent or delay potential escalation and achieve U.S. national security objectives over a wide range of conflict levels. This capability will allow the nation to extend the concept of nuclear deterrence to include conventional deterrence. The combination of stealth and PGMs is a milestone in the development of air power, comparable to the jet engine and radar. The nation is challenged to develop a force structure and employment doctrine to make the most effective use of this tremendous capability, which can provide a powerful force multiplier at a time of defense cutbacks. By the same token, these systems cannot function effectively without equally robust intelligence support to provide the targeting, threat, and BDA assessments necessary for these high-tech systems to accomplish their mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA437291
Entities
People
- Brian A. Arnold
- Robert P. Vitrikas
Organizations
- National War College