2000s: Is There a Role for Air Power in the Post-Cold War World

Abstract

Air power has a significant role to play in the post-Cold War era. Since the end of the Cold War there has been a transformation of the international security environment resulting in an increase in limited-intensity regional conflicts. Furthermore, politicians, increasingly constrained by media-fuelled public opinion, and moral and financial considerations, attempt to demonstrate resolve and commitment to operations while minimising the risk of casualties on either side. The ability of air power to utilise its inherent strengths of height, speed and reach offers politicians a highly visible presence, relative invulnerability, and increased accuracy through the use of Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs). Consequently, air power has played an increasing role in limited-intensity conflicts, culminating in the sole use of air power by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) during Operation Allied Force. 1 Nevertheless, the efficacy of air power to undertake strategic bombing within combat operations and Peace Support Operations (PSOs) has been questioned. Analysis of Operations Desert Storm2 and Allied Force has shown that while air power is very effective in destroying static targets, it is less destructive against mobile targets. Additionally, while air power has successfully undertaken roles within PSOs, land forces are still required to carry out the full range of tasks in these operations.