How the USAF Can Lose the Next War Losing Air Superiority
Abstract
The United States is precariously close to giving away air superiority. Control of the air is arguably the most important enabler of modern combat, and is documented as such in American doctrine. From its inception, the USAF has tended to discount the air superiority mission. Over the last 15 years those with an interest in challenging the west have been adapting and finding ways to counter U.S. technology. In roughly this same time, the USAF has added only the F-22 while retiring the F-4G, EF-111, and F-117. In 2009, the threat of advanced SAMs like the SA-10 and SA-20 and aircraft like the SU-35, Rafale, and Typhoon are equal to or exceed our 4th generation aircraft. Allowing near parity to exist is not acceptable, because an adversary denying the U.S access to the battle space could win the conflict. These conditions are risk intensive, and air superiority is too important to risk losing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA540193
Entities
People
- Clay Bartels
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College